pivotal
adj. US //ˈpɪvətəɫ// UK //pˈɪvətəl// piv·otal
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1 crucial or central (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateextremely important because it changes the way something develops.
being of crucial importance; acting as the central point on which a situation or series of events turns.
ExampleThe discovery of the new evidence played a pivotal role in the trial.
ExampleThe CEO's decision to pivot toward renewable energy proved to be a pivotal moment in the company's fifty-year history.
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2 relating to a physical pivot (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencerelating to a central point that something turns on.
of, relating to, or functioning as a physical pivot or hinge.
ExampleThe machine has a pivotal joint that allows the arm to move in a circle.
ExampleThe engineer inspected the pivotal mechanism to ensure the bridge could rotate smoothly during high winds.
From pivot + -al.