rotative

Rotative is an adjective used to describe things related to rotation or capable of rotating around an axis. In English technical writing it denotes motion that involves turning, spinning, or angular displacement, as opposed to linear or reciprocating movement. The term derives from Latin rotativus, from rotare meaning “to turn” and is related to rotary and rotation.

Usage and nuances: Rotative often appears in engineering, physics, and design to categorize machinery by motion type. It emphasizes the rotational aspect itself and is sometimes preferred in British technical prose, while “rotary” is more common in everyday language and many American contexts. In some cases, rotative is used to distinguish a device whose primary function involves rotation from devices where rotation is incidental or secondary.

Examples and domains: Rotative turbines, rotative engines, rotating shafts, propellers, and other components where angular motion is central fall under this usage. The term also appears in standards or specifications to classify equipment according to motion type, such as “rotative pumps” or “rotative gear trains.” In practice, the choice between rotative and rotary can depend on regional style guides or the level of technical specificity required.

See also: rotation, rotary, rotator, turbine, engine.