See Also: pivotal(dictionary)
pivotal(dictionary)

pivotal (iou)



pivotal adjective. M19.
[from PIVOT noun + -AL1.]
Of, pertaining to, or acting as a pivot; central, crucial, vital. M19.
pivotal man Hist. a man considered to have an important role in the re-establishment of industry and commerce after the war of 1914-18, and hence eligible for early demobilization.
L. Appignanesi The pivotal commitment in his life. C. Heilbrun Montaigne, whose essay..is pivotal in any study.
Math. Constituting or involving the pivot of a determinant or matrix. E20.
Linguistics. Of, pertaining to, or based on pivot grammar or pivot words. M20.
pivotalism noun (Hist.) the policy of releasing pivotal men from active service before others E20.
pivotally adverb in a pivotal manner; as on a pivot: L19.