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Rotational: meaning, definitions and examples

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rotational

 

[ˌrəʊˈteɪʃənl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physics

Relating to rotation or revolving around an axis.

Synonyms

revolving, rotary, spinning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotational

Used to describe objects or systems that turn around a central point. Often utilized in technical and scientific contexts.

  • The rotational speed of the wind turbine was increasing
  • Engineers studied the rotational motion of the planet
rotary

Generally describes machines or parts of machines that turn around a central point. Often used in mechanical and engineering contexts.

  • A rotary engine is common in some types of vehicles
  • The dentist used a rotary tool to clean my teeth
spinning

Describes objects turning rapidly around a central axis. It's often used in everyday conversations and can refer to both literal and figurative spinning.

  • The children were spinning around in circles
  • After the surprise, her head was spinning with excitement
revolving

Refers to something that turns around a central point, often continuously and does not imply a technical aspect necessarily. Commonly used in everyday language.

  • The revolving door at the entrance kept spinning
  • She loved watching the revolving carousel at the fair

Examples of usage

  • The Earth has a rotational motion around its own axis.
  • The spinning wheel has a rotational speed of 500 revolutions per minute.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A type of movement or exercise that involves rotating or twisting the body.

Synonyms

rotary, turning, twisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotational

Best used in scientific or technical settings to describe motion around an axis or center point.

  • The earth's rotational motion affects the length of a day
  • Engineers studied the rotational dynamics of the machinery
twisting

Describes a spiraling or contorting motion, often involving applying force to change shape; can carry a negative connotation if related to deformation or causing discomfort.

  • He is twisting the cap off the bottle
  • The rope started twisting under the pressure of the heavy load
turning

Used in everyday language to describe the act of changing direction or rotating something slightly.

  • She is turning the doorknob to open the door
  • The car is turning left at the intersection
rotary

Commonly used in mechanical contexts where parts move in a circular manner, often in machinery or tools.

  • He used a rotary tool to polish the metal
  • The rotary engine design is compact and efficient

Examples of usage

  • Pilates includes various rotational exercises to strengthen the core muscles.
  • The golfer practiced his rotational swing to improve his game.
Context #3 | Noun

mechanics

A type of force that causes an object to rotate around an axis.

Synonyms

rotary force, torque, twisting force.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rotational

Commonly refers to any motion around a center or axis. It's used in physics, engineering, and everyday contexts to describe spinning or circular movement.

  • The rotational speed of the Earth affects the length of our days.
  • Rotational motion is a key concept in mechanics.
torque

Describes the twisting force that causes rotation, measured in units like Newton-meters. It's heavily used in physics and mechanical engineering.

  • The torque required to turn the bolt was higher than expected.
  • A car's engine generates torque to turn the wheels.
rotary force

Refers specifically to the force that causes or is associated with rotary motion. It is typically used in mechanics and engineering.

  • The rotary force generated by the engine drives the wheels.
  • A gyroscope uses rotary force to maintain orientation.
twisting force

Similar to 'torque', it describes a force that causes an object to twist or rotate. It’s a more general term and can be used in everyday language as well as in technical contexts.

  • The twisting force on the rubber band caused it to snap.
  • Engineers measured the twisting force applied to the beam.

Examples of usage

  • The torque applied to the bolt created a rotational movement.
  • The rotational force of the motor caused the gears to turn.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'rotatio', meaning 'a turning' or 'a revolution'.
  • In the 19th century, this term became widely used in physics to describe circular movements.
  • Related words include 'rotate', which also refers to turning around an axis.

Science

  • In physics, rotational motion describes objects that spin around an axis, such as planets or wheels.
  • Rotational dynamics studies how forces affect an object's spinning, much like figure skaters who spin faster by pulling their arms in.
  • The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, giving us day and night.

Technology

  • Rotational mechanisms are vital in engineering, found in engines, motors, and generators.
  • In video games, 3D graphics often use rotational transformations to make characters turn and move realistically.
  • Autonomous robots often use rotational sensors to gauge their position as they navigate their environment.

Sports

  • In baseball, the rotational speed of a baseball can affect its trajectory, influencing how it travels through the air.
  • Gymnastics and diving involve rotational movements as athletes spin in the air before landing.
  • Cycling involves rotational mechanics in the wheels, affecting speed and stability.

Art

  • In visual art, rotational symmetry can create captivating designs, as seen in mandalas.
  • Sculptures can convey movement through rotational dynamics, capturing the idea of motion in still form.
  • Artists often use concepts of rotation in kinetic art, where sculptures move and change form.

Translations

Translations of the word "rotational" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rotacional

🇮🇳 घूर्णनात्मक

🇩🇪 drehbar

🇮🇩 rotasional

🇺🇦 обертальний

🇵🇱 obrotowy

🇯🇵 回転の (かいてんの)

🇫🇷 rotatif

🇪🇸 rotacional

🇹🇷 dönme

🇰🇷 회전의 (hoejeon-ui)

🇸🇦 دواري

🇨🇿 rotační

🇸🇰 rotačný

🇨🇳 旋转的 (xuánzhuǎn de)

🇸🇮 rotacijski

🇮🇸 snúnings

🇰🇿 айналмалы

🇬🇪 როტაციული (rotatsiuli)

🇦🇿 fırlanma

🇲🇽 rotacional

Word Frequency Rank

Position #10,000 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.