fulcrum

views updated May 23 2018

ful·crum / ˈfoŏlkrəm; ˈfəl-/ • n. (pl. -cra / -krə/ or -crums) the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots. ∎  a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation: research is the fulcrum of the academic community.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

fulcrum

views updated Jun 27 2018

fulcrum. A prop, support, or fixed point on which a lever moves, i.e. about which rotation can take place. It is the point beyond which a cantilever extends into space, its other end anchored on the opposite side of the fulcrum.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

fulcrum

views updated Jun 11 2018

fulcrum prop, support, spec. in mechanics. XVII. L. fulcrum post or foot of a couch, f. base of fulcīre support.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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