1. to rotate automatically or by itself without external power
2. to descend in a helicopter using unpowered rotor blades that spin due to airflow
Usage: aviation

Examples

• The helicopter began to autorotate after engine failure.
• The pilot practiced autorotating during emergency training.
• The turbine blades autorotate in the wind.
• When power is lost, the rotor will autorotate to provide lift.
• The mechanic watched the part autorotate freely.
• Learning to autorotate safely is essential for helicopter pilots.