pivot

Everyday

1. A pivot is the fixed point or pin on which something turns or balances. tree →
2. To pivot is to turn around on one point. tree →
3. A pivot is the most important part that everything else depends on. tree →
4. In basketball and netball, to pivot is to keep one foot still and turn on it. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a lever (like a seesaw) turns about a pivot, also called a fulcrum: a light child far from the pivot can balance a heavy child close to it. Door hinges and scissors have pivots. In PE, pivoting is a key skill in basketball and netball. Phrases: «turn on a pivot», «pivot point», «pivot on your foot».

Examples

• A seesaw balances on a pivot in the middle. tree →
• The pivot of a pair of scissors is the screw that joins the blades. tree →
• In netball you can pivot on your landing foot. tree →
• She pivoted and ran the other way. tree →
• The door pivots on its hinges. tree →
• Move the weight further from the pivot to lift more. tree →
• The whole plan pivoted on the weather. tree →
• The compass needle turns on a tiny pivot. tree →

Note

Regular verb with one «t»: pivoted, pivoting. In science, «pivot» and «fulcrum» mean the same. In maths and science problems: the farther a force is from the pivot, the bigger its turning effect.