linchpin
American Heritage Dictionary:
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linch·pin
or lynch·pin (lĭnch'pĭn') 
n.
n.
- A locking pin inserted in the end of a shaft, as in an axle, to prevent a wheel from slipping off.
- 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).]
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linchpin
Fowler's Modern English Usage:
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linchpin
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.
| limit, limey, limy, likewise | |
| line, lineament, liniment, lingo |
Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology:
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linchpin
[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.
Word Tutor:
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lynchpin
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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Random House Word Menu:
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categories related to 'linchpin'
- Building and Machine Parts - linchpin: fastener that prevents slippage; linkage device
Wikipedia on Answers.com:
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Linchpin
For the song by Fear Factory, see Linchpin (song).
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
 |
Look up linchpin in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
- ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". Etymonline.com. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=linchpin. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ "Linchpin | Define Linchpin at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.reference.com. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/linchpin. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
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Translations:
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Linchpin
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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American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology. Copyright © 2002, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
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