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Glite Dictionary
rotating mechanism

rotating mechanism

5.0
A part of a machine that turns to move other parts
  • noun
  • /roʊˈteɪtɪŋ ˈmɛkənɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mecanismo rotatorio
  • The clock's rotating mechanism ensures that the hands move smoothly around the dial.

You have to have a rotating mechanism to create these pillars.

Examples

  • The engineer designed a rotating mechanism to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine.

  • You have to have a rotating mechanism to create these pillars.

    Danny Jones

  • In modern kinetic sculptures, a rotating mechanism is often used to bring the artwork to life.

Synonyms

rotator
vsrotating mechanism
1 5.0

A part or device that turns around a central point

is used for whole machines or systems rather than single parts
whirler
vsrotating mechanism
7.6

A device that spins around a central point

is broader and includes devices that cause rotation or turn differently
rotary actuator
vsrotating mechanism
  • Specialized
7.9

A device that turns to move the read and write head in a hard disk

is the general mechanical device type not limited to precise positioning

How Fast

turbocharger
  • Specialized
1 5.1
rotating mechanism
  • Specialized
5.0
electric fan
1 1.0
crank
22 4.5

Surface Forms

rotating mechanism singular
rotating mechanisms plural

Morphology

rotate + mechanism

The phrase is fully compositional: 'rotating' (turning around an axis) modifies 'mechanism' (a mechanical device), yielding the clear meaning 'a device that rotates.' This adjective+noun pattern is regular in English and common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Rotating mechanism shows a clear picture: rotating means 'moving in a circle' and mechanism means 'parts working together', like a wheel or gears that keep turning. That's why it means 'a device that turns', and if those parts jam the whole machine can stop.