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Webster 1913 Edition


Rotatory

Ro′ta-to-ry

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
rotatoire
. See
Rotate
,
Rotary
.]
1.
Turning as on an axis; rotary.
2.
Going in a circle; following in rotation or succession;
as,
rotatory
assembles
.
Burke.
3.
(Opt.)
Producing rotation of the plane of polarization;
as, the
rotatory
power of bodies on light
. See the Note under
polarization
.
Nichol.

Ro′ta-to-ry

,
Noun.
(Zool.)
A rotifer.
[R.]
Kirby.

Webster 1828 Edition


Rotatory

RO'TATORY

,
Adj.
[from rotator.]
1.
Turning on an axis, as a wheel; rotary.
2.
Going in a circle; following in succession; as rotatory assemblies.
[This word is often used, probably by mistake, for rotary. It may be regularly formed from rotator, but not with the exact sense in which it is used. With rotator for its original, it would signify causing rather than being in a circular motion. The true word is rotary.]

Definition 2024


rotatory

rotatory

English

Adjective

rotatory

  1. of, pertaining to, or causing rotation
  2. alternate or successive
    • Burke
      rotatory assemblies

Derived terms

  • rotatory nystagmus
  • rotatory power

See also