Definition of rotary

The word "rotary" originates from the Latin term "rotare," which means "to turn or rotate." This term is derived from the verb "rota," which means "wheel" or "ring." In medieval Latin, the word "rotare" was used to describe the motion of a wheel or a circle. The word "rotary" was first used in English in the 14th century to describe something that turns or revolves around a central axis, such as a lathe or a wheel. Over time, the term gained broader application to describe any machine or device that uses rotational motion, including rotary engines, rotary phones, and rotary club organizations. Today, the word "rotary" is often associated with the Rotary Club, a global service organization founded in 1905, which uses the image of a rotary wheel as its symbol.