noun / verb
swivel
SWIV-ul/swˈɪvʌl/
A joint that allows turning around a fixed point, or the act of turning this way.
The chair turns on a swivel while its base stays fixed.
Etymology
The root's revolving motion first named a coupling that let an attached object rotate independently. The verb then came to mean turning on, or as though on, such a pivot.
In context
he could lift his arm up at the shoulder and swivel at the shoulder all the way around
More examples
- She swivels her chair to face the window.
- The camera is mounted on a swivel.
- With a quick swivel, he turns toward the door.
Forms
swivel · swivels · swiveled · swiveling
Similar words
- pivot
- Emphasizes turning about a central point or supporting pin.
- rotate
- Covers turning around an axis, not necessarily on a joint.