pivot Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the person in a rank around whom the others wheel and maneuver
    pivot man.
  2. noun axis consisting of a short shaft that supports something that turns
    pin.
  3. noun the act of turning on (or as if on) a pivot
    • the golfer went to the driving range to practice his pivot
  4. verb turn on a pivot
    swivel.

WordNet

Piv"ot noun
Etymology
F.; prob. akin to It. piva pipe, F. pipe. See Pipe.
Definitions
  1. A fixed pin or short axis, on the end of which a wheel or other body turns.
  2. The end of a shaft or arbor which rests and turns in a support; as, the pivot of an arbor in a watch.
  3. Hence, figuratively: A turning point or condition; that on which important results depend; as, the pivot of an enterprise.
  4. (Mil.) The officer or soldier who simply turns in his place whike the company or line moves around him in wheeling; -- called also pivot man.
Piv"ot transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Pivoted; present participle & verbal noun Pivoting
Definitions
  1. To place on a pivot. Clarke.

Webster 1913