Linchpin

Quick meaning: Linchpin is a noun meaning A pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle or shaft, so as to secure a wheel or shaft-mounted device.

Meaning

A pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle or shaft, so as to secure a wheel or shaft-mounted device.

More Meanings

1. (figuratively) A central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organisation.
2. (ambitransitive) To adopt as, or serve as, a central cohesive source of stability and security.

Example Sentences

In ij camellis ferri vocatis lynspins emptis pro carectis iiijᵈ.

Community nurses have been described as the lynchpins of palliative care in the community.

The axles were attached to the wooden floors with leather straps, the floor projecting on each side to take the wheels which were secured by linchpins to their outer faces.

Second, QAnon, whose adherents have deep ties to countless other large communities, has become a linchpin in that ecosystem, and the absurdity of its claims in no way reduces its political influence.

Word Forms

• linchpins
• linch-pin
• link-pin
• lin-pin
• linchpinning
• linchpinned

Synonyms for linchpin

Depending on context, synonyms include axlepin, anchor, lynchpin, backbone, mainstay.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include lynchpin, anchor, mainstay, backbone, pivot, countershaft.

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