An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To turn around an axis. See also → revolve.

Etymology (EN): From L. rotare “to cause to spin, roll, move in a circle,” from L. rota “wheel;” cognate with Pers. râh “way, path” (from Mid.Pers. râh, râs “way, street,” also rah, ras “chariot;” from Proto-Iranian *rāθa-; cf. Av. raθa- “chariot;” Skt. rátha- “car, chariot,” rathyā- “road;” Lith. ratas “wheel;” O.H.G. rad; Ger. Rad; Du. rad;
O.Ir. roth; PIE *roto- “to run, to turn, to roll”).

Etymology (PE): Carxidan “to rotate,” from carx “every thing performing a circulatory motion; a wheel; a cart;” Mid.Pers. chr “wheel,” Parthian cxr “wheel;” Ossetic calx “wheel;” Av. caxra- “wheel;” cognate with Skt. cakra- “wheel, circle; cycle,” carati “he moves, wanders;” Gk. kyklos “circle, wheel,” polos “axis of a sphere,” polein “move around;” L. colere “to dwell in, to cultivate, move around,” colonus “farmer, settler;” O.E. hweol “wheel;” Rus. koleso “wheel.”