Re·volve v. i. [imp. & p. p. Revolved p. pr. & vb. n. Revolving.]
1. To turn or roll round on, or as on, an axis, like a wheel; to rotate, -- which is the more specific word in this sense.
If the earth revolve thus, each house near the equator must move a thousand miles an hour. --I. Watts.
2. To move in a curved path round a center; as, the planets revolve round the sun.
3. To pass in cycles; as, the centuries revolve.
4. To return; to pass. [R.]
Re·volv·ing, a. Making a revolution or revolutions; rotating; -- used also figuratively of time, seasons, etc., depending on the revolution of the earth.
But grief returns with the revolving year. --Shelley.
Revolving seasons, fruitless as they pass. --Cowper.
Revolving firearm. See Revolver.
Revolving light, a light or lamp in a lighthouse so arranged as to appear and disappear at fixed intervals, either by being turned about an axis so as to show light only at intervals, or by having its light occasionally intercepted by a revolving screen.
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