Definition

1. Noun:
   • Anatomy: A "rotator" is a muscle that causes rotation of a body part, such as a limb or joint.
   • Mechanics: A "rotator" is a device or component that rotates or causes rotation, often in machinery or equipment.

Usage Examples

• Anatomy:

  • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. (A set of rotator muscles in the shoulder joint.)
  • Damage to the rotator can impair arm movement. (Injury to the rotating muscle.)

• Mechanics:

  • The rotator in the engine spins the shaft smoothly. (A mechanical part that rotates.)
  • A rotary antenna rotator helps align the dish for better signal reception. (A device that turns an antenna.)

Advanced Usage

• "rotator cuff": a specific group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, crucial for arm rotation.

  • He injured his rotator cuff while playing tennis. (He damaged the shoulder's rotating muscles.)

• "rotator muscle": any muscle that produces rotational movement, often used in medical contexts.

  • The external rotator muscles of the hip are important for walking. (Muscles that rotate the hip outward.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rotate (v): to turn or cause to turn around an axis.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours. (The planet spins.)

• Rotation (n): the act of turning around a central point.

  • The rotation of the wheel powers the machine. (The spinning motion.)

• Rotatable (adj): capable of being rotated.

  • The rotatable chair allows you to face any direction. (The chair can turn.)

Synonyms

• Turner: a person or thing that turns something.
• Spinner: a device that spins or rotates rapidly.
• Pivot: a central point around which something rotates.

Phrasal Verbs

• Rotate around: to turn or revolve around a central point.

  • The arm rotates around the shoulder joint. (The limb turns at the joint.)

• Rotate through: to move in a circular path through something.

  • The blades rotate through the air. (The blades spin in a circular motion.)

Related Idioms

• "In rotation": used to describe something that occurs in a sequence or cycle.

  • The tires are used in rotation to ensure even wear. (The tires are swapped periodically.)

• "Rotate the crops": to change the type of crop grown in a field each season to maintain soil health.

  • Farmers rotate the crops to prevent soil depletion. (They alternate crops.)