/ ˈswɪvl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
(often used as an adjective) a device used to connect two parts of an object together, allowing one part to turn around without moving the other :
a swivel chair (= one on which the seat turns around without moving the base)
■ verb ( -ll- , US -l- ) [usually + adv. / prep. ]
1.
to turn or make sth turn around a fixed central point
SYN spin :
[ vn ]
She swivelled the chair around to face them.
[also v ]
2.
to turn or move your body, eyes or head around quickly to face another direction
SYN swing :
[ v ]
He swivelled around to look at her.
[also vn ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English , from the base of Old English swīfan to move (along a course), sweep .