ˈrōˌtād.ə(r) -ātə-, chiefly Brit ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural rotators -ə(r)z ; or rotato·res ˌrōd.əˈtōr(ˌ)ēz, ˌrōtə-, -ˈtȯr- ; see numbered senses )
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, one who rotates something, from rotatus (past participle of rotare to rotate) + -or
1. : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis ; specifically : any of several small muscles in the dorsal region of the spine arising from the upper and back part of a transverse process and inserted into the lamina of the vertebra above
2. plural rotators : a machine or a mechanical part that causes rotation: as
a. : the screw-shaped part of a ship's log that causes the log to rotate in the water
b. : a small fast electric motor specially adapted for rotating disks and Geissler tubes
c. : a device for rotating a television antenna