Definition of "revolve"

(Physical movement.)

1. (transitive, now rare) To bring back into a particular place or condition; to restore.

2. (transitive) To cause (something) to turn around a central point.  examples

3. (intransitive) To orbit a central point (especially of a celestial body).  examples

4. (intransitive) To rotate around an axis.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • It is never possible to settle down to the ordinary routine of life at sea until the screw begins to revolve. There is an hour or two, after the passengers have embarked, which is disquieting and fussy.

     1915, G[eorge] A. Birmingham [pseudonym; James Owen Hannay], chapter I, in Gossamer, New York, N.Y.: George H. Doran Company

5. (intransitive) To move in order or sequence.  examples

(Mental activity.)

1. (transitive, now rare) To ponder on; to reflect repeatedly upon; to consider all aspects of.  quotations

   Quotations

   • These are the difficulties which arise to me on revolving this scheme […].

     1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter LXXXII”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; […]

   • He sits silent, revolving many thoughts, at the foot of St. Edmund’s Shrine.

     1843 April, Thomas Carlyle, “chapter 6, Monk Samson”, in Past and Present, American edition, Boston, Mass.: Charles C[offin] Little and James Brown, published 1843, book II (The Ancient Monk)

2. (transitive, obsolete) To read through, to study (a book, author etc.).  quotations

   Quotations

   • This having heard, strait I again revolv’d / The Law and Prophets.

     1671, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J. M[acock] for John Starkey […]

(theater) The rotation of part of the scenery within a theatrical production.  examples

(theater) The rotating section itself.  quotations  examples

(obsolete) A radical change; revolution.