rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrevolveCircular movement
verb

revolve

rih-VAHLV/rɪˈvɑːlv/

To turn around a central point.

The planet revolves around the sun along its orbit.

Planet travels around sun with clean circular orbit.
Etymology
reLatinback, again
+volveLatinto roll

The pieces give the image of rolling back or again. This developed into turning around, including the circular movement of a planet around the sun.

In context

Science ABC0:04
The planets are shown to revolve in a nice circular path, forming concentric rings, with the Sun sitting smack-dab in the center.
Why Are Planetary Orbits Elliptical?

More examples

  • Earth revolves around the sun once a year.
  • She pushes the revolving door and steps inside.
  • The wheel revolved several times before coming to a stop.

Forms

revolve · revolves · revolved · revolving

revolution noun — One complete turn around a center.

Similar words

rotate
Usually emphasizes turning around an object's own axis.
orbit
Describes traveling around another body rather than turning in place.
spin
Often suggests rapid turning around an object's own axis.