revolutionary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a radical supporter of political or social revolution
    subversive; subverter; revolutionist.
  2. adjective satellite markedly new or introducing radical change
    radical.
    • a revolutionary discovery
    • radical political views
  3. adjective of or relating to or characteristic or causing an axial or orbital turn
    rotatory.
  4. adjective relating to or having the nature of a revolution
    • revolutionary wars
    • the Revolutionary era
  5. adjective advocating or engaged in revolution
    • revolutionary pamphlets
    • a revolutionary junta

WordNet

Rev`o*lu"tion*a*ry adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. révolutionnaire.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a revolution in government; tending to, or promoting, revolution; as, revolutionary war; revolutionary measures; revolutionary agitators.
Rev`o*lu"tion*a*ry noun
Definitions
  1. A revolutionist. R.
    Dumfries was a Tory town, and could not tolerate a revolutionary. Prof. Wilson.

Webster 1913