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Definition of pivots - 2 dictionary results
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piv⋅ot

  [piv-uht]
Use pivots in a Sentence
–noun
1. a pin, point, or short shaft on the end of which something rests and turns, or upon and about which something rotates or oscillates.
2. the end of a shaft or arbor, resting and turning in a bearing.
3. any thing or person on which something or someone functions or depends vitally: He is the pivot of my life.
4. the person in a line, as of troops on parade, whom the others use as a point about which to wheel or maneuver.
5. a whirling about on one foot.
6. Basketball. the act of keeping one foot in place while holding the ball and moving the other foot one step in any direction, so as not to be charged with walking.
7. Basketball.
a. an offensive position in the front court, usually played by the center, in which the player stands facing away from the offensive basket and serves as the pivot of the offense by setting up plays through passing, making screens, and taking shots.
b. Also called pivotman. the player who plays in the pivot position.
8. Dentistry. (formerly) dowel (def. 4).
–verb (used without object)
9. to turn on or as on a pivot.
10. Basketball. to keep one foot in place while holding the ball and moving the other foot one step in any direction.
–verb (used with object)
11. to mount on, attach by, or provide with a pivot or pivots.
Origin:
1605–15; < F pivot (n.), pivoter (v.), OF < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pivots
piv·ot   (pĭv'ət)   
n.  
  1. A short rod or shaft on which a related part rotates or swings.
  2. A person or thing on which something depends or turns; the central or crucial factor.
  3. The act of turning on or as if on a pivot.
  4. Basketball
    1. A position taken by an offensive player usually facing away from the basket near the foul line to relay passes, attempt a shot, or set screens.
    2. The stationary foot around which the ball handler is allowed to pivot without dribbling.
v.   piv·ot·ed, piv·ot·ing, piv·ots

v.   tr.
  1. To mount on, attach by, or provide with a pivot or pivots.
  2. To cause to rotate, revolve, or turn.
v.   intr.
To turn on or as if on a pivot: "The plot . . . lacks direction, pivoting on Hamlet's incertitude" (G. Wilson Knight).

[French, from Old French.]
piv'ot·a·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Rendon's Hardware Place
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