GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Rotate , a. [L. rotatus, p. p. of rotare to turn round like a wheel, fr. rota wheel. See Rotary, and cf. Roue.] Having the parts spreading out like a wheel; wheel-shaped; as, a rotate spicule or scale; a rotate corolla, i.e., a monopetalous corolla with a flattish border, and no tube or a very short one.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Rotate , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rotated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Rotating.]
   To turn, as a wheel, round an axis; to revolve.
   1913 Webster
   To perform any act, function, or operation in turn, to hold office in turn; as, to rotate in office.
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3.       
   Rotate, v. i.
   To cause to turn round or revolve, as a wheel around an axle.
   1913 Webster
   To cause to succeed in turn; esp., to cause to succeed some one, or to be succeeded by some one, in office. [Colloq.] “Both, after a brief service, were rotated out of office.” 
   Harper's Mag.
   
   1913 Webster