Library / English Dictionary

PIVOTAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Being of crucial importance

Example:

a polar principal

Synonyms:

pivotal; polar

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

crucial; important (of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis)

Derivation:

pivot (the person in a rank around whom the others wheel and maneuver)

Credits

 Context examples: 

AEG35156 selectively blocks the cellular expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), a pivotal inhibitor of apoptosis that is overexpressed in many tumors.

(AEG35156, NCI Thesaurus)

A class of organic compounds that contain nitrogen as the pivotal atom for functional groups.

(Amine, NCI Thesaurus)

ASK plays a pivotal role in the G1/S transition in mammalian cells and its function is essential for entry into S phase.

(CDC7L1 Kinase Complex, NCI Thesaurus)

A pivotal study will generally be well-controlled, randomized, of adequate size, and whenever possible, double-blind.

(Phase IIb Trial, NCI Thesaurus)