I. piv ‧ ot 1 /ˈpɪvət/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: French ]
1 . a central point or pin on which something balances or turns
2 . [usually singular] ( also pivot point ) the most important thing in a situation, system etc, which other things depend on or are based on
the pivot on/around which something turns/revolves
Iago’s lie is the pivot on which the play turns.
pivot of
West Africa was the pivot of the chocolate trade.
II. pivot 2 BrE AmE verb
1 . [intransitive and transitive] to turn or balance on a central point, or to make something do this
pivot on
The table-top pivots on two metal pins.
2 . [intransitive] to turn quickly on your feet so that you face in the opposite direction:
Magee pivoted and threw the ball to first base.
pivot on/around something phrasal verb
to depend on or be based on one important thing, event, or idea:
His argument will pivot on the growing cost of legal fees.