Definition of center
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : 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 (see regular entry 1 sense 3b) polygon
2a : 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 a shopping center a medical center
3a : 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
The party's new policies show a shift toward the center.
(3) : the adherents of such views
4a : a player occupying a middle position on a team: such 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
5a : 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 (such as a shaft) for receiving such a center
center
verbDefinition of center (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to place or fix at or around a center or central area
center the picture on the wall
2 : to give a central focus or basis
centers her hopes on her son the plot was centered on espionage
3 : to adjust (things, such as lenses) so that the axes coincide
4a : to pass (a ball or puck) from either side toward the middle of the playing area
b : to hand or pass (a football) backward between one's legs to a back (see back entry 1 sense 3) to start a down
5 : to play center (see center entry 1 sense 4) on
center a line in hockey
: to have a specified center : focus
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Time Traveler for center
The first known use of center was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century