What does "rotation" mean?

1. (turning around an axis) the movement of something turning around a central point or line. 2. (taking turns) a system where people or things follow each other in a regular order. 3. (radio/media play) how often a song or advertisement is played on the radio or TV. 4. (aviation takeoff) the moment during takeoff when the pilot lifts the nose of the plane off the ground. 5. (investment shifts) moving money from one type of investment to another as the economy changes.

How do you use "rotation"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' or 'on'. Commonly used in the phrase 'in rotation' or 'on a rotation'.

rotation

US //ɹoʊˈteɪʃən// UK //ɹəʊtˈeɪʃən// ro·ta·tion

1 turning around an axis (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

the movement of something turning around a central point or line.

the act or process of turning around a central point or fixed axis.

Example

The earth's rotation on its axis is what gives us day and night.

Example

The turbine's speed of rotation must be carefully monitored to prevent mechanical failure under high-pressure conditions.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' or 'on'.
2 taking turns (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a system where people or things follow each other in a regular order.

a regular, recurring sequence of events, tasks, or personnel assignments.

Example

The doctors at the clinic work on a weekly rotation.

Example

The head chef implemented a strict rotation for the kitchen staff to ensure that everyone gained experience at every station.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'in rotation' or 'on a rotation'.

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3 radio/media play (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

how often a song or advertisement is played on the radio or TV.

the repeated broadcasting of a specific recording or advertisement within a scheduled period.

Example

The band's new single is in heavy rotation on all the major radio stations.

Example

The marketing agency negotiated for the commercial to remain in high rotation during prime-time viewing hours for the duration of the campaign.
- airplay
4 aviation takeoff (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Aviation

the moment during takeoff when the pilot lifts the nose of the plane off the ground.

the specific action during the takeoff roll where the pilot applies back-pressure to the controls to lift the nose wheel.

Example

The pilot reached rotation speed and gently pulled back on the stick.

Example

If rotation is attempted before the calculated V-speed is reached, the aircraft may stall or suffer a tail strike on the runway.
5 investment shifts (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Finance

moving money from one type of investment to another as the economy changes.

the movement of investment capital from one industry sector or asset class to another in response to economic cycles.

Example

Investors are starting a rotation out of tech stocks and into energy.

Example

Market analysts observed a significant sector rotation as institutional investors moved toward defensive stocks in anticipation of a recession.
- reallocation

Origin

Borrowed from Latin rotatiō. By surface analysis, rotate + -ion.