Swivel
/ˈswɪv.əl/noun
A device or joint that allows something to rotate freely around a point.
Did you know?Swivel is ultimately tied to an ancient Indo-European root meaning “to turn” or “to revolve,” the same old motion-root behind several words for spinning and circular movement across languages.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“to turn, roll, or revolve”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*swīblaną
“to swing or turn about”
Old English
OE
swifel
“a turning pin or pivot”
Middle English
ME
swivel
“a pivoting device or turning motion”
Modern English
English
swivel
“a rotating joint or fitting”