Rotation

ˌroʊˈteɪʃən

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act of turning around a central point; a complete circuit or cycle.

ˌroʊˈteɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
General

The action of rotating around an axis or center.

The dancer's graceful rotation captivated the audience.

💡 Simply: Imagine a merry-go-round! Rotation is like the way it spins around and around. It's any kind of turning motion.

👶 For kids: Spinning around and around.

More Examples

2

The engine's rotation powered the machine.

3

Crop rotation is a farming technique that helps to keep the soil healthy.

How It's Used

Physics

"The Earth's rotation causes day and night."

Engineering

"The rotation of the engine's crankshaft converts linear motion into circular motion."

Agriculture

"Crop rotation helps maintain soil health."

2

A regular change or sequence, as of personnel or activities.

ˌroʊˈteɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
Academic

A recurring series of events or people.

The hospital uses a nurse rotation system to ensure fair workloads.

💡 Simply: Like when your class has 'stations' and you rotate through them, or when workers have shifts that change. It’s when things or people take turns.

👶 For kids: Taking turns doing something.

More Examples

2

The company's project managers follow a rotation cycle for different assignments.

3

The team's rotation of players kept everyone fresh.

How It's Used

Business

"The company implemented a job rotation program to broaden employee skills."

Military

"Troops are assigned to a tour of duty, followed by rotation back home."

Tip:Think about a rotating schedule or shift pattern.
3

The process of turning or twisting the body in a specific direction.

ˌroʊˈteɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

The act of moving the body in a specific direction (e.g., in sports or dance).

A pitcher needs good rotation in their hips to throw hard.

💡 Simply: In sports or dance, rotation is like turning your body around, such as the twist of the hips when you are performing a move.

👶 For kids: Turning your body in a certain way.

More Examples

2

The dancer's arm rotation created a beautiful arc in the air.

3

Correct body rotation can improve a golfer's swing.

How It's Used

Sports

"The baseball pitcher uses a rotation of the arm to throw the ball fast."

Dance

"The dancer's body uses a rotation to create the elegant moves in the performance."

Tip:Remember how athletes and dancers move to execute the moves using the rotation technique.

Idioms & expressions

internal rotation

Rotation of a limb toward the center of the body.

"Physical therapists often work on patients' internal rotation to improve mobility."

external rotation

Rotation of a limb away from the center of the body.

"The trainer worked on the athlete's external rotation to improve their swing."

From Latin *rotatio* ('a turning around'), from *rotare* ('to rotate'), from *rota* ('wheel'). The word evolved to encompass various forms of circular or cyclical movement and change.

Historically, rotation referred primarily to circular motion or turning. The concept has expanded with advancements in technology and understanding.

Memory tip

Think of a wheel; it undergoes rotation when it spins.

rotatationrotasion

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written