- linchpin lynchpin
- noun the linchpin of the person or thing in a group, system etc that is most important, because everything depends on them
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.
linchpin lynchpin
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lynchpin — lynch‧pin [ˈlɪntʆpɪn] noun [countable] another spelling of linchpin * * * lynchpin UK US /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ noun [C] ► LINCHPIN(Cf. ↑linchpin) … Financial and business terms
linchpin — linch‧pin [ˈlɪntʆˌpɪn] also lynchpin noun [singular] the most important thing or person in a system, plan etc, which everything else depends on: • The consumer is the linchpin of the economy. * * * linchpin UK US (also lynchpin) /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ nou … Financial and business terms
lynchpin — [linch′pin΄] n. alt. sp. of LINCHPIN … English World dictionary
linchpin — (also lynchpin) ► NOUN 1) a pin through the end of an axle keeping a wheel in position. 2) an indispensable person or thing. ORIGIN Old English … English terms dictionary
Linchpin — A linchpin or lynchpin is a metal part used in mechanical engineering to prevent a wheel or other rotating part from sliding off the axle it is riding on. It is named after Nathaniel Lynch, the English mechanic who first patented its use [cite… … Wikipedia
linchpin — [[t]lɪ̱ntʃpɪn[/t]] linchpins also lynchpin N COUNT: with supp, usu N of n 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. He s the lynchpin of our team and… … English dictionary
linchpin — also lynchpin noun Etymology: Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin Date: 13th century 1. a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft) 2.… … New Collegiate Dictionary
linchpin — /ˈlɪntʃpɪn / (say linchpin) noun 1. a pin inserted through the end of an axle to keep the wheel on. 2. the key point of a plan, argument, etc. 3. a key person or event, as in a play, etc. Also, lynchpin. {linch , Old English lynis linchpin +… …
linchpin — /linch pin /, n. 1. a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on. 2. something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together: The monarchy was the linchpin of the nation s traditions and society. Also,… … Universalium
linchpin — linch|pin lynchpin [ˈlıntʃˌpın] n [Date: 1300 1400; Origin: linch pin fastening a wheel to an axle (11 16 centuries) (from Old English lynis) + pin] the linchpin of sth the person or thing in a group, system etc that is most important, because… … Dictionary of contemporary English
