revolves

Revolves is the third-person singular present tense of revolve. Revolve means to move in a circular path around a central point or axis, or to cause something to do so. It is commonly used to describe orbital motion, when one body orbits another, usually under the influence of gravity. The verb can also be used in metaphorical senses, such as ideas or plans revolving around a central theme.

In scientific usage, a related distinction is often made between rotation and revolution. Rotation describes spinning around an axis that passes through the object itself (for example, the Earth rotating on its axis). Revolve describes motion around an external point or body (for example, the Earth revolving around the Sun). In astronomy, the term revolution often refers to one complete orbit and is used for the orbital period.

Examples include: the Earth revolves around the Sun once each year; the Moon revolves around Earth. A satellite can revolve around a planet as it orbits under gravitational influence, while the planet itself may rotate on its axis.

Etymology: revolve derives from Latin revolvere, re- + volvere, meaning to roll back or turn around. The word has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe circular or orbital motion, as well as more figurative uses. See also revolution, rotation, orbital mechanics.