Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [linch-pin]
- /ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn/
- /ˈlɪntʃ.pɪn/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [linch-pin]
- /ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn/
Definitions of linchpin word
- noun linchpin a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on. 1
- noun linchpin something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together: The monarchy was the linchpin of the nation's traditions and society. 1
- noun linchpin A pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position. 1
- noun linchpin unifying element 1
- noun linchpin pin that holds a wheel in place 1
- countable noun linchpin If you refer to a person or thing as the linchpin of something, you mean that they are the most important person or thing involved in it. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of linchpin
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; unexplained alteration of Middle English lynspin, equivalent to lyns, Old English lynis axle-pin (cognate with German Lünse) + pin pin
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Linchpin
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
linchpin popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 74% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
linchpin usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for linchpin
noun linchpin
- mainstay — Nautical. the stay that secures the mainmast forward.
- foundation — the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion.
- pillar — an upright shaft or structure, of stone, brick, or other material, relatively slender in proportion to its height, and of any shape in section, used as a building support, or standing alone, as for a monument: Gothic pillars; a pillar to commemorate Columbus.
- keystone — the wedge-shaped piece at the summit of an arch, regarded as holding the other pieces in place.
- base — The base of something is its lowest edge or part.
Antonyms for linchpin
noun linchpin
- outside — the outer side, surface, or part; exterior: The outside of the house needs painting.
- periphery — the external boundary of any surface or area.
- surface — the outer face, outside, or exterior boundary of a thing; outermost or uppermost layer or area.
- result — to spring, arise, or proceed as a consequence of actions, circumstances, premises, etc.; be the outcome.
- accessory — Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.
Top questions with linchpin
- what is a linchpin?
- what does linchpin mean?
- what is the meaning of linchpin?
- what is linchpin?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with l
- Words starting with li
- Words starting with lin
- Words starting with linc
- Words starting with linch
- Words starting with linchp
- Words starting with linchpi
- Words starting with linchpin