rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor ˈrō-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce rotator (audio)
 also  rō-ˈtā-
: one that rotates or causes rotation
especially, plural rotators or rotatores ˌrō-tə-ˈtȯr-ˌēz How to pronounce rotator (audio) : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

Examples of rotator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Then there’s the rotator stand that, combined with a wide, low-profile base, allows the bag to sit flush against the ground when the legs are fully deployed for the most-possible stability and a better club spread. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 The Shoji Takeuchi Research Group at the University of Tokyo In practice, the rotator seems to work as described, spinning at an average speed of about 20 to 40 micrometers per second. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 10 July 2024 Perhaps the shape rotators are convinced that computers can outthink us because their own minds are so impoverished. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 The spinning operation is achieved with standard rotators, enhancing robustness compared to delicate mirror movements required in interferometers. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rotator 

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotator was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near rotator

Cite this Entry

“Rotator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotator. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

rotator

noun
ro·​ta·​tor
ˈrō-ˌtāt-ər also rō-ˈ
plural rotators or rotatores ˌrōt-ə-ˈtōr-ēz How to pronounce rotator (audio)
: a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis
specifically : any of several small muscles in the dorsal region of the spine arising from the upper and back part of a transverse process and inserted into the lamina of the vertebra above
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