rotor
/ˈɹəʊ.tə/ · ro·tor
noun
- A rotating part of a mechanical device, for example in an electric motor, generator, alternator or pump. The rotor in the electric motor began to vibrate at high speed.
- The wing of a helicopter or similar aircraft. The rotor blades of the helicopter created a loud whirring noise as it took off.
- A quantity having magnitude, direction and position. The rotor of the compass needle pointed towards the magnetic north pole.
Did you know? The word 'rotor' is also used in the context of wind turbines, where the rotor blades convert wind energy into electrical energy.