Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Rolling circle of a paddle wheel

Rolling \Roll"ing\, a.

  1. Rotating on an axis, or moving along a surface by rotation; turning over and over as if on an axis or a pivot; as, a rolling wheel or ball.

  2. Moving on wheels or rollers, or as if on wheels or rollers; as, a rolling chair.

  3. Having gradual, rounded undulations of surface; as, a rolling country; rolling land. [U.S.] Rolling bridge. See the Note under Drawbridge. Rolling circle of a paddle wheel, the circle described by the point whose velocity equals the velocity of the ship. --J. Bourne. Rolling fire (Mil.), a discharge of firearms by soldiers in line, in quick succession, and in the order in which they stand. Rolling friction, that resistance to motion experienced by one body rolling upon another which arises from the roughness or other quality of the surfaces in contact. Rolling mill, a mill furnished with heavy rolls, between which heated metal is passed, to form it into sheets, rails, etc. Rolling press.

    1. A machine for calendering cloth by pressure between revolving rollers.

    2. A printing press with a roller, used in copperplate printing.

      Rolling stock, or Rolling plant, the locomotives and vehicles of a railway.

      Rolling tackle (Naut.), tackle used to steady the yards when the ship rolls heavily.
      --R. H. Dana, Jr.