Pivot /(?)/

Piv·ot

Pivot

n.
  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. The officer or soldier who simply turns in his place whike the company or line moves around him in wheeling; -- called also pivot man. (Mil.)

Phrases & Compounds
Pivot bridge
a form of drawbridge in which one span, called the pivot span, turns about a central vertical axis.
Pivot gun
a gun mounted on a pivot or revolving carriage, so as to turn in any direction.
Pivot tooth
an artificial crown attached to the root of a natural tooth by a pin or peg.

Pivot

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Pivoted; p. pr. & vb. n. Pivoting

  1. To place on a pivot.