fulcrum

[fool-kruhm, fuhl-]

noun

plural

fulcrums, fulcra 

1. the support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns in moving a body.

2. any prop or support.

3. Zoology.,  any of various structures in an animal serving as a hinge or support.

verb (used with object)

1. to fit with a fulcrum; put a fulcrum on.

fulcrum

/ ˈfʊlkrəm, ˈfʌl- /

noun

1. the pivot about which a lever turns

2. something that supports or sustains; prop

3. a spinelike scale occurring in rows along the anterior edge of the fins in primitive bony fishes such as the sturgeon

fulcrum

1. The point or support on which a lever turns. The position of the fulcrum, relative to the positions of the load and effort, determines the type of lever.

fulcrum

1. The point on which a lever is balanced when a force is exerted.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fulcrum¹

1665–75; < Latin: back-support of a couch, apparently for fulctrum, equivalent to fulc ( īre ) to hold up, support + -trum noun suffix of instrument

Word History and Origins

Origin of fulcrum¹

C17: from Latin: foot of a couch, bedpost, from fulcire to prop up

Example Sentences

The fulcrum of a cultural transition from vibrancy to stagnation was the 1970s, an era remembered now, if at all, for leisure suits, burnt-orange shag carpeting and muttonchop sideburns.

From Salon

A fit-again Rodri will surely return as the fulcrum of their side when he recovers from his long-term injury, but who will be alongside him is much less certain.

From BBC

The incident that spurs the meeting provides the fulcrum of the drama at the center of “Armand,” but it’s never seen, only discussed, in indirect, roundabout ways by the teachers, more bluntly by the parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Gomez, solemn and low-key — who one could not have foreseen becoming the fulcrum in a May-December comedy trio — provides the perfect balance.

From Los Angeles Times

Mutuma Mathiu, a veteran journalist, said Tuesday's events had shifted the dynamics of Kenyan politics: "Protest politics found a new fulcrum and a new and different generation of Kenyans found their rather loud voice."

From BBC

Related Words

• blueprint 
• clue 
• code 
• core 
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• means 
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• password 
• sign 
• ticket