Rotate: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'rotare,' which means 'to turn,' relating to the word 'rota' for 'wheel.'
• It first appeared in English texts in the late 15th century, signifying circular movement.
• The Latin roots reflect the word's association with circular objects like wheels and orbits.

Science

• In physics, 'rotate' is crucial in understanding movements in mechanics, especially concepts like angular momentum.
• Planets, including Earth, rotate on their axes, which leads to day and night cycles.
• In robotics, 'rotation' helps machines like robotic arms move object accurately in a circular path.

Art

• In visual arts, rotation can help create dynamic sculptures that captivate viewers from different angles.
• Artists often play with rotation in their compositions, drawing the eye around the artwork.
• The concept of rotation in art can also be seen in kinetic art, where parts move and rotate to create a living artwork.

Psychology

• The ability to visualize rotation is linked to spatial awareness, which is crucial for problem-solving.
• Studies show that children who engage in activities involving rotation, like puzzle-solving, may improve their cognitive skills.
• Rotational tasks in psychology often assess how well people can manipulate and understand 3D space.

Technology

• In computing, 'rotate' refers to functions that change the orientation of images or data, useful in graphic design.
• Smartphones often feature a 'rotation lock' to stop screens from changing when you turn your device.
• In gaming, character rotation is essential for creating a realistic movement in 3D environments.

Ranked #10,681, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

• ...
• 10678 clash
• 10679 remnant
• 10680 vividly
• 10681 rotate
• 10682 repetitive
• 10683 awhile
• 10684 extraordinarily
• ...