| rotational transform | <radiobiology> \iota = 2PI/q) Due to the combination of applied toroidal field and induced poloidal field, the magnetic field lines wind helically around the torus (and on most flux surfaces they fill the surface ergodically). The rotational transform is a measure of this helicity, and is defined as the average angle the field line shifts in the poloidal direction per complete circuit in the toroidal direction. The quantity q = 2\pi / \iota is known as the "safety factor'' because of its role in stability theory. A magnetic field configuration is said to posses rotational transform if the lines of force, after one complete circuit around the configuration (for example, a torus) do not simply close exactly on themselves, but are instead rotated through some angle about the magnetic axies. (13 Nov 1997) |
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| rotative | Turning, as a wheel; rotary; rotational. "This high rotative velocity of the sun must cause an equatorial rise of the solar atmosphere." (Siemens) Rotative engine, a steam engine in which the reciprocating motion of the piston is transformed into a continuous rotary motion, as by means of a connecting rod, a working beam and crank, or an oscillating cylinder. Origin: Cf. F. Rotatif. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rotator | 1. <anatomy> That which gives a rotary or rolling motion, as a muscle which partially rotates or turns some part on its axis. 2. <chemistry> A revolving reverberatory furnace. Origin: L. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rotator cuff | <anatomy> The rotator cuff is a tendon formed by three distinct muscles: teres minor, supraspinatus and infraspinatus, which stabilise the head of the humerus within the shoulder joint. Tendinitis or injury to the rotator cuff muscle can make shoulder abduction (lifting the arm out to the side) and external rotation painful. In most cases treatment includes rest, ice and physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles. (13 Nov 1997) |
| rotator cuff tendinitis | <pathology> The rotator cuff is a tendon formed by three distinct muscles: teres minor, supraspinatus and infraspinatus, which stabilise the head of the humerus within the shoulder joint. Tendinitis or injury to the rotator cuff muscle can make shoulder abduction (lifting the arm out to the side) and external rotation painful. In most cases treatment includes rest, ice and physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles. (27 Sep 1997) |
| rotator muscles | Deepest of the three layers of transversospinalis muscles, chiefly developed in the thoracic region; they arise from the transverse process of one vertebra and are inserted into the root of the spinous process of the next two or three vertebrae above; action, traditionally described as a column, it is more likely that these muscles, provided with a very high density of muscle spindles, are organs of proprioception; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of the spinal nerves. Synonym: musculi rotatores, rotator muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatores cervicis muscles | The rotator muscles attached to the cervical vertebrae. Synonym: musculi rotatores cervicis, cervical rotator muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatores lumborum muscles | The rotator muscles of the lumbar vertebrae. Synonym: musculi rotatores lumborum, lumbar rotator muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatores muscles | Deepest of the three layers of transversospinalis muscles, chiefly developed in the thoracic region; they arise from the transverse process of one vertebra and are inserted into the root of the spinous process of the next two or three vertebrae above; action, traditionally described as a column, it is more likely that these muscles, provided with a very high density of muscle spindles, are organs of proprioception; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of the spinal nerves. Synonym: musculi rotatores, rotator muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatores thoracis muscles | The rotators of the thoracic vertebrae. Synonym: musculi rotatores thoracis, thoracic rotator muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatoria | <zoology> Same as Rotifera. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rotatory | 1. Turning as on an axis; rotary. 2. Going in a circle; following in rotation or succession; as, rotatory assembles. 3. <optics> Producing rotation of the plane of polarization; as, the rotatory power of bodies on light. See the Note under polarization. Origin: Cf. F. Rotatoire. See Rotate, Rotary. <zoology> A rotifer. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rotatory nystagmus | A movement of the eyes around the visual axis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatory spasm | A disorder of unknown cause, manifested as a restricted dystonia, localised to some of the neck muscles, especially the sternomastoid and trapezius; occurs in adults and tends to progress slowly; the head movements increase with standing and walking and decrease with contractual stimuli, e.g., touching the chin or neck. Synonym: dystonic torticollis, rotatory spasm, rotatory tic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rotatory tic | A disorder of unknown cause, manifested as a restricted dystonia, localised to some of the neck muscles, especially the sternomastoid and trapezius; occurs in adults and tends to progress slowly; the head movements increase with standing and walking and decrease with contractual stimuli, e.g., touching the chin or neck. Synonym: dystonic torticollis, rotatory spasm, rotatory tic. (05 Mar 2000) |