rotary switches

noun

UK /ˈrəʊtəri ˈswɪtʃɪz/

US /ˈroʊtəri ˈswɪtʃɪz/

Rotary switches are switches you turn to pick different settings.

He turned the rotary switches on the old radio to find a clear station.

SYNONYMS

turn switches dial switches selector switches rotating switches

RELATED WORDS

knob dial selector circuit control panel

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Electrical components that connect or disconnect circuits by rotating a shaft to different positions.

The technician replaced the worn rotary switches in the control panel.

3. Multi-position controls used in appliances to select modes such as fan speed or temperature.

The oven's rotary switches let you choose bake, broil, or off.

4. Mechanical selectors found in vintage radios and test equipment for choosing bands or ranges.

Restoring the vintage radio required cleaning its rotary switches.