linchpin

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or lynch·pin (lĭnch'pĭn') pronunciation
n.
  1. A locking pin inserted in the end of a shaft, as in an axle, to prevent a wheel from slipping off.
  2. A central cohesive element: Reduced spending is the linchpin of their economic program.

[Middle English linspin : lins, linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin, pin (from Old English pinn; see pin).]



originally a pin put through the end of an axle to keep the wheel in position, is mostly used in its figurative sense 'an indispensable person or thing'. It is spelt linch- in preference to lynch-, and as one word.

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[Ar]

A metal spike, sometimes enlarged or elaborated at one end, that is passed through a hole in the end of a fixed axle on a cart or chariot in order to stop the wheel falling off.

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lynchpin

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pronunciation

IN BRIEF: n. - Rod inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on; A central cohesive source of support and stability.

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For a list of words related to linchpin, see:

A linchpin with an integral sprung retainer

A linchpin, also spelled linch pin, lynchpin, or lynch pin, is a fastener used to prevent a wheel or other rotating part from sliding off the axle upon which it is riding. The word is first attested in the 14th century and derives from Middle English elements meaning "axletree pin".[1]

Securing implements onto the three-point hitch of a tractor is an example of application. Linchpins may also be used in place of an R-clip for securing hitch pins.[according to whom?]

The word "linchpin" is also used figuratively to mean "something [or someone] that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together."[2]

See also

References



Translations:

Linchpin

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - lundstikke, støttepille, det der holder sammen på det hele

Nederlands (Dutch)
splitpen, spil, politiek centrale figuur

Français (French)
n. - (Tech) clavette, goupille, (fig) pilier de, base de

Deutsch (German)
n. - Lünse, Achsnagel

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - περόνη τροχού, παραξόνιο, γόμφος, (μτφ.) κεντρικός μοχλός

Italiano (Italian)
acciarino, perno

Português (Portuguese)
n. - contrapino (m) de roda (Autom.) (Mec.)

Русский (Russian)
чека колеса, человек, на котором все держится, основная мысль

Español (Spanish)
n. - chaveta, lo esencial, pezonera

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - axelsprint, hjulsprint, (bildl.) stöttepelare

中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
制轮楔, 关键

中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 制輪楔, 關鍵

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 바퀴를 굴대에 고정시키는 핀

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 輪止めくさび, かなめ

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) مسمار العجله أو الدولاب‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮פין חיזוק לגלגל, בורג מרכזי במערכת, חלק חשוב‬


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Mentioned in

How to Be (1996 Album by God Is My Co-Pilot)
Cobra Style: Lost Productions (1999 Album by Aston Barrett)