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roll·er¹

(rōlər)

1. One that rolls or performs a rolling operation or activity.

2. Any of various cylindrical or spherical devices that roll or rotate, especially:

a. A small spokeless wheel, such as that of a roller skate or caster.

b. An elongated cylinder on which something, such as a window shade or towel, is wound.

c. A heavy revolving cylinder that is used to level, crush, or smooth.

d. Printing A cylinder, usually of hard rubber, used to ink the type before the paper is impressed.

e. A cylinder of wire mesh, foam rubber, or other material around which a strand of hair is wound to produce a soft curl or wave.

3. A long rolled bandage.

4. A heavy swelling wave that breaks on a coast.

5. A tumbler pigeon.

rol·ler²

(rōlər)

1. Any of various Eurasian, African, or Australian birds of the genera Coracias and Eurystomus, characteristically having bright blue wings, stocky bodies, and hooked bills. They are noted for their habit of rolling and twisting in flight, especially during display flights.

2. A breed of canary kept for its soft, trilling song.

[German, from rollen, to roll, burble; see ROLLMOPS.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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