rotary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island
    traffic circle; circle; roundabout.
    • the accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
  2. noun electrical converter consisting of a synchronous machine that converts alternating to direct current or vice versa
    rotary converter; synchronous converter.
  3. adjective relating to or characterized by rotation
    • rotary dial
  4. adjective satellite describing a circle; moving in a circle
    orbitual; circular.
    • the circular motion of the wheel

WordNet

Ro"ta*ry adjective
Etymology
L. rota a wheel. See Roll, v., and cf. barouche, Rodomontade, Roué, Round, a., Rowel.
Definitions
  1. Turning, as a wheel on its axis; pertaining to, or resembling, the motion of a wheel on its axis; rotatory; as, rotary motion.

Webster 1913