Definition of pivot
1 : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2a : a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effectb : a key player or position; specifically : an offensive position of a basketball player standing usually with back to the basket to relay passes, shoot, or provide a screen for teammates
3 : the action of pivoting; especially : the action in basketball of stepping with one foot while keeping the other foot at its point of contact with the floor
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Examples of pivot in a Sentence
an issue that is the real pivot of the controversy
Origin and Etymology of pivot
French
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
First Known Use of pivot
1796
pivot
Definition of pivot
intransitive verb
: to turn on or as if on a pivot
transitive verb
1 : to provide with, mount on, or attach by a pivot
2 : to cause to pivot
Examples of pivot in a Sentence
The dancers pivoted on their toes and changed direction.
The door hinge pivots around the pin.
The quarterback pivoted and threw the ball to the running back.
First Known Use of pivot
1841
PIVOT Defined for English Language Learners
pivot
playDefinition of pivot for English Language Learners
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: a pin or shaft on which a mechanical part turns
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: the action of turning around a point : the action of pivoting
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: a person or thing that is central or important to someone or something else
pivot
Definition of pivot for English Language Learners
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: to turn on or around a central point
PIVOT Defined for Kids
Definition of pivot for Students
1 : a shaft or pin with a pointed end on which something turns
2 : the action or an instance of turning around on a point
Definition of pivot for Students
pivoted
;pivoting
: to turn on or as if on a pivot : turn around on a central point pivot on one foot
Medical Dictionary
pivot
playMedical Definition of pivot
: a usually metallic pin holding an artificial crown to the root of a tooth
Learn More about pivot
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See words that rhyme with pivot Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pivot Spanish Central: Translation of pivot Nglish: Translation of pivot for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pivot for Arabic speakers
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