Gyrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gyrate

[หˆdส’aษชreษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

dance

To gyrate means to move in a circle or spiral, especially quickly or with a twisting motion.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gyrate

Gyrate is used when something moves in circles or spirals rapidly. It often describes dance movements, machinery, or objects in space.

  • The dancer began to gyrate to the rhythm of the music
  • The planet seemed to gyrate in its orbit
rotate

Rotate is mostly used in technical or mechanical contexts when an object turns around a central point or axis at a steady pace.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours
  • Rotate the handle clockwise to tighten the screw
twist

Twist implies bending or contorting in different directions. It can describe physical movements, altering shapes, or metaphorically for complex situations.

  • He twisted the cap off the bottle
  • The plot of the movie took an unexpected twist
spin

Spin describes rapid turning or whirling movements around a central point. It can refer to objects, people, or activities and often implies speed.

  • The top began to spin as soon as it was released
  • She felt dizzy after spinning around too fast

Examples of usage

  • She began to gyrate her hips to the music.
  • The dancer's body seemed to gyrate effortlessly on the stage.
Context #2 | Verb

physics

To gyrate means to oscillate with a circular or spiral motion.

Synonyms

orbit, revolve, whirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gyrate

Used to describe rapid circular or spiral movement, especially when referring to dancing or machinery. It often carries a sense of dynamic and energetic motion.

  • The dancers began to gyrate to the fast-paced music.
  • The fans gyrate inside the cooling system.
revolve

Implies a smooth and continuous movement around a central point, commonly used in scientific and general contexts often referring to planets or mechanical parts.

  • The planets revolve around the sun.
  • The gears in the clockwork revolve to keep time.
orbit

Describes the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon, used primarily in astronomical or space-related contexts.

  • The moon orbits the Earth.
  • The satellite will orbit the planet for several years.
whirl

Describes rapid circular movement, usually with a sense of excitement or chaos. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical contexts, sometimes carrying a slightly chaotic or frantic nuance.

  • Leaves began to whirl in the wind.
  • Her mind was in a whirl after hearing the shocking news.

Examples of usage

  • The electron began to gyrate around the nucleus.
  • The gyroscope gyrate rapidly in response to the external force.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Dance and Movement

  • Many dance styles, such as ballet and salsa, feature movements that encourage the body to gyrate gracefully.
  • In some cultural dances, gyration is used as a form of expression and storytelling, reflecting emotions and traditions.
  • Gyrating often accompanies rhythmic music, inviting participants to connect movement with sound.

Science

  • In physics, gyration is a crucial concept, especially in rotational dynamics and how objects behave when spinning.
  • Gyroscopes utilize the principle of gyration to maintain orientation, which is key in navigation systems.
  • The Earth itself gyrates slightly as it spins, affecting navigation and satellite technology.

Pop Culture

  • In the 1990s, gyrating became synonymous with popular dance moves in music videos, especially hip-hop and pop.
  • Iconic performances, like those of Madonna and Beyoncรฉ, often feature gyrating movements that captivate and energize audiences.
  • Some music genres celebrate gyrating as a form of self-expression, particularly in celebrations and festivals.

Health and Exercise

  • Certain fitness regimens incorporate gyrating movements for cardio and core strength, being both fun and effective.
  • Classes like Zumba often involve gyrating motions, helping participants burn calories while enjoying music.
  • Research suggests rhythmic gyrating can enhance coordination and flexibility, making exercise enjoyable.

Origin of 'gyrate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'gyratus', meaning 'to turn in a circle'.
  • Its roots can be traced further back to the Greek word 'gyrรณs', also meaning 'circle' or 'ring'.
  • The concept of circular motion is ancient, influencing both language and science.

The word 'gyrate' originated from the Latin word 'gyratus', which means 'revolved in a circle'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The concept of circular or spiral motion has been a part of human movement and scientific understanding for centuries, leading to the creation and usage of the word 'gyrate'.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,244, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.