pivotes

Pivotes, or pivots in English, is a term used in several languages to denote a point, axis, or component around which motion occurs, or a tool that rearranges data. The word appears in mechanical, anatomical, and data contexts, among others, and its precise meaning depends on the domain.

In mechanical engineering and design, a pivot is a fixed point, pin, or bearing that allows a part to rotate relative to another. Pivots can be simple pins through holes or more advanced bearings such as bushings, ball bearings, or spherical bearings. They enable compact rotation in linkages, gates, lids, cameras, and gimbals. A pivot emphasizes the center of rotation, and is often distinguished from a hinge, which describes a joint that connects two bodies and provides rotational movement.

Anatomically, pivot joints are a specific type of synovial joint that allows rotation around a single axis. A classic example is the atlantoaxial joint between the first two cervical vertebrae, which permits head rotation. Other examples include certain wrist and forearm joints, such as the radioulnar joints, where rotation is around a pivot point.

In computing and data analysis, pivot refers to a method of reorienting information. A pivot table (or its equivalents) summarizes and aggregates data, enabling the user to rotate rows and columns to view data from different perspectives without changing the source data. This concept is central to data analysis, business intelligence, and reporting.

In sports and robotics, pivots describe actions or joints that enable turning or orientation changes. The term’s versatility across fields reflects its core idea: a central point around which motion or reorganization occurs.