Rotate: meaning, definitions and examples

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rotate

 

[ˈrəʊteɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

image editing

To turn or move something in a circular direction around a central point.

Synonyms

spin, turn, twist.

Examples of usage

  • Rotate the image clockwise to get the right orientation.
  • You can use the software to rotate the photo easily.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To cause a device or part of a machine to operate by turning it around a fixed point.

Synonyms

pivot, revolve, spin.

Examples of usage

  • Rotate the knob to adjust the volume.
  • The wind turbine rotates to generate electricity.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

A transformation in which a figure is turned about a fixed point.

Synonyms

revolution, spinning, turning.

Examples of usage

  • The shape underwent a 90-degree rotation.
  • Understanding rotations is important in geometry.

Interesting Facts

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "rotate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 girar

🇮🇳 घुमाना (ghumānā)

🇩🇪 drehen

🇮🇩 memutar

🇺🇦 обертати

🇵🇱 obracać

🇯🇵 回転する (kaiten suru)

🇫🇷 tourner

🇪🇸 girar

🇹🇷 döndürmek

🇰🇷 회전하다 (hoijeonhada)

🇸🇦 يدور (yadoor)

🇨🇿 otáčet

🇸🇰 otáčať

🇨🇳 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn)

🇸🇮 vrteti

🇮🇸 snúa

🇰🇿 айналдыру

🇬🇪 მობრუნება (mobruneba)

🇦🇿 fırlatmaq

🇲🇽 girar

Word Frequency Rank

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