a. [ Cf. F. rotatoire. See Rotate, Rotary. ] 1. Turning as on an axis; rotary. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Going in a circle; following in rotation or succession; as, rotatory assembles. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Opt.) Producing rotation of the plane of polarization; as, the rotatory power of bodies on light. See the Note under polarization. Nichol. [ 1913 Webster ]