Word
rotator
Phoneticsro·ta·tor
UK/ɹəʊtˈeɪtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that turns around a central point, such as part of a machine. You also hear it for muscles that turn a bone, like those in your shoulder.
n. a device or muscle that turns something around a central axis. In anatomy most often appears in the phrase rotator cuff for the group of shoulder muscles that stabilize and rotate the arm.
Examples
“The rotator turns the display toward the window.”
“The physiotherapist showed him exercises to strengthen the rotator muscles in his injured shoulder.”
“The museum uses a slow motorized rotator beneath the platform to turn the sculpture so visitors can see every side without touching it.”
Examples
simple
“The rotator turns the display toward the window.”
contextual
“The physiotherapist showed him exercises to strengthen the rotator muscles in his injured shoulder.”
complex
“The museum uses a slow motorized rotator beneath the platform to turn the sculpture so visitors can see every side without touching it.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rotator” in context.
Verb
01. lubricate rotator
“Lubricate the rotator monthly to prevent the mast from seizing.”
verb + noun
02. replace rotator
“The mechanic had to replace the rotator on the cement mixer.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. damaged rotator
“The technician replaced the damaged rotator in the antenna.”
adj + noun
04. external rotator
“The external rotator muscles help turn the shoulder outward.”
adj + noun
05. internal rotator
“Swimmers often overuse their internal rotator muscles.”
adj + noun
06. mechanical rotator
“The telescope sits on a precise mechanical rotator.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. rotator assembly
“Debris had jammed the satellite dish rotator assembly.”
noun + noun
08. rotator cuff
“An MRI confirmed a small tear in his rotator cuff.”
noun + noun
09. rotator muscle
“The physiotherapist tested each rotator muscle for weakness.”
noun + noun
10. lubricate the rotator regularly
“Lubricate the rotator regularly to extend the motor's life.”
11. replace the faulty rotator
“The engineer had to replace the faulty rotator before launch.”
12. rotator cuff tear
“A rotator cuff tear can cause severe pain at night.”
Etymology
From rotate + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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