Main Entry: ¹cen·tral

Pronunciation: \ˈsen-trəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin centralis, from centrum center

Date: 1647

1 : containing or constituting a center
2 : of primary importance : essential, principal <the central character of the novel>
3 a : situated at, in, or near the center b : easily accessible from outlying districts <a central location for the new theater>
4 a : centrally placed and superseding separate scattered units <central heating> b : controlling or directing local or branch activities <the central committee>
5 : holding to a middle between extremes : moderate
6 : of, relating to, or comprising the brain and spinal cord; also : originating within the central nervous system <central deafness>

— cen·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb