Main Entry: ¹cen·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈsen-tər, ˈse-nər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English centre, from Middle French, from Latin centrum, from Greek kentron sharp point, center of a circle, from kentein to prick; probably akin to Old High German hantag pointed

Date: 14th century

1 a : the point around which a circle or sphere is described; broadly : a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point —called also center of symmetry b : the center of the circle inscribed in a regular polygon
2 a : a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition <a railroad center> <the center of the controversy> b : a source from which something originates <a propaganda center> c : a group of neurons having a common function <respiratory center> d : a region of concentrated population <an urban center> e : a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service <a day-care center>
3 a : the middle part (as of the forehead or a stage) b often capitalized (1) : a grouping of political figures holding moderate views especially between those of conservatives and liberals (2) : the views of such politicians (3) : the adherents of such views
4 a : a player occupying a middle position on a team: as (1) : the football player in the middle of a line who passes the ball between his legs to a back to start a down (2) : the usually tallest player on a basketball team who usually plays near the basket b : center field
5 a : either of two tapered rods which support work in a lathe or grinding machine and about or with which the work revolves b : a conical recess in the end of work (as a shaft) for receiving such a center

— cen·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective