I. ˈpi-vət noun
Etymology: French
Date: 1611
1. : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2.
a. : a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect
b. : 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
II. adjective
Date: 1796
1. : turning on or as if on a pivot
2. : pivotal
III. verb
Date: 1841
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
• pivot·able -və-tə-bəl adjective