# rotator

/ɹəʊtˈeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rotator
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.