Rotor
/ˈroʊ.tər/noun
A rotating component of a machine, especially one that turns around a central axis.
Did you know?Its Latin ancestor, rota, appeared in the medieval phrase rota fortunae—the Wheel of Fortune symbolizing fate’s relentless cycles of rise and ruin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ret(h₂)-
“To run, roll, or move in a circular motion”
Ancient Latin
Latin
rota
“Wheel; something that turns”
Classical Latin
Latin
rotare
“To turn, whirl, or revolve”
Classical Latin
Latin
rotor
“One who turns or causes something to turn”
18th Century
Latin
rotor
“A technical term for a rotating part or device”
19th Century
English
rotor
“A rotating machine component, especially in mechanics and electrical engineering”