central

¹cen·tral

adj \ˈsen-trəl\

Definition of CENTRAL

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

Examples of CENTRAL

1. The house has four rooms and a central chimney.
2. City planners are looking for a central location for the new hospital.
3. The evidence was central to the defense's case.
4. The country's schools are financed by both local and central governments.
5. The central authority of the company's board is being challenged.

Origin of CENTRAL

Latin centralis, from centrum center

First Known Use: 1647

Related to CENTRAL

Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, foremost, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms: last, least

Related Words: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with CENTRAL

ventral