piv·ot / ˈpivət/ • n. the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates. ∎  [usu. in sing.] a person or thing that plays a central part in an activity or organization: the pivot of community life was the chapel. ∎  the person or people about whom a body of troops wheels. ∎  (also pivotman) a player in a central position in a team sport. ∎  Basketball a movement in which the player holding the ball may move in any direction with one foot, while keeping the other (thepivot foot) in contact with the floor.• v. (piv·ot·ed, piv·ot·ing) [intr.] turn on or as if on a pivot: the sail pivots around the axis of a virtually static mast he swung around, pivoting on his heel. ∎  (pivot on) fig. depend on: your escape pivots on my disappearing with you. ∎  [tr.] provide (a mechanism) with a pivot; fix (a mechanism) on a pivot: [as adj.] (pivoted) a pivoted bracket. DERIVATIVES: piv·ot·a·bil·i·ty / ˌpivətəˈbilitē/ n.piv·ot·a·ble adj.

pivot sb. XVII. — (O)F. pivot, of uncert. orig.
Hence vb. XIX.