Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rotating mechanism consisting of an assembly of rotating airfoils: A rotor is a central rotating part, often with blades, that provides lift or thrust in machines like helicopters or generates power in engines and generators.
   • The revolving bar of a distributor: In an internal combustion engine, the rotor is the part that distributes electrical current to the spark plugs.
   • The rotating armature of a motor or generator: In electrical machinery, the rotor is the rotating part of the machine, as opposed to the stationary stator.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The helicopter's main rotor provides the lift needed for flight.
  • A jet engine's compressor rotor spins at extremely high speeds.
  • The mechanic replaced the worn rotor in the car's distributor.
  • In this generator, the rotor turns within the stator to produce electricity.

Advanced Usage

• "rotor blade": An individual airfoil or wing that is part of a rotor assembly.
  • One of the rotor blades was damaged in the storm.
• "rotor head": The central hub to which rotor blades are attached and which controls their pitch.
  • The complex mechanics of the rotor head allow for precise control of the helicopter.

Variants and Related Words

• Rotorcraft (n): An aircraft that gains lift from rotating wings or rotors (e.g., a helicopter).
  • Helicopters and autogyros are both types of rotorcraft.
• Stator (n): The stationary part of a motor or generator, which works in conjunction with the rotor.
  • The electricity is generated in the windings of the stator as the rotor turns.

Synonyms

• Rotating part: A general term for any component that spins.
• Armature: Specifically refers to the rotating coil in an electric motor or generator, which can be a type of rotor.
• Impeller: A rotor used to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid.

Related Phrases

• "rotor speed": The rotational velocity of a rotor.
  • The pilot monitored the rotor speed during takeoff.
• "tail rotor": The smaller, vertical rotor at the tail of a helicopter used to counteract torque.
  • The tail rotor prevents the helicopter from spinning in the opposite direction of the main rotor.

Noun

1. rotating mechanism consisting of an assembly of rotating airfoils
   • there are horizontal rotors on a helicopter or compressor rotors in a jet engine
2. the revolving bar of a distributor
3. the rotating armature of a motor or generator