These words all mean to have or impart a circular motion. Rotate , revolve and roll describe three different circular motions, though they are frequently used interchangeably. A body rotates round its own axis or centre. A body revolves round a centre outside itself: The earth revolves round the sun. A body rolls on a plane or other surface, with which its circumference is in continuous contact: A car wheel rolls on the ground, while it rotates on its axle.

Gyrate is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for revolve . However, gyrate emphasizes spiral or helical movement about, or as if about, a central point or axis, while revolve indicates circular or elliptical movement: an eagle gyrating majestically up into the sky for a thousand feet before plunging down on his prey; the gyrating , violent winds of cyclone.

Turn is the most general word of this group, and may be used as a synonym for any of the others. It most commonly applies to rotary motion, and is thus most often used in place of rotate : The earth turns on its axis. Turn is simply more colourless and less precise denotatively than the other words; it implies nothing about speed or the complexity or course of the circular movement in question.

Spin , twirl and whirl all mean to turn or cause to turn rapidly and continuously. Whirl usually implies greater speed than the other two words, while twirl often refers to a complicated series of movements of something manipulated by the hands or fingers. Spin emphasizes the continuity of the action, and usually the narrow compass of the circular motion; it may, however, apply to any action of turning: The earth spins on its axis.

• The wind whirled the leaves round the yard; a drum major twirling his baton; to spin a top.

Spin and whirled may also be used for any abrupt circular motion: The car spun (or whirled ) round out of control. Whirl , more often than spin , has the connotation of lack of conscious control or design: The sensations whirled through his mind too rapidly for him to assimilate them, much less understand his feelings.