The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
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
linchpin — [linch′pin΄] n. [ME lynspin < lyns (< OE lynis, linchpin, akin to Ger lünse < IE base * (e)lei to bend > ELL2, Sans āṇíh, linchpin) + pin, PIN] 1. a pin that goes through the end of an axle outside the wheel to keep the wheel from… … English World dictionary
linchpin — also linch pin, late 14c., earlier linspin, from M.E. lins axletree (see LINCH (Cf. linch)) + PIN (Cf. pin) (n.). The peg that holds a wheel on an axle; now mainly figurative … Etymology dictionary
linchpin — originally a pin put through the end of an axle to keep the wheel in position, is mostly used in its figurative sense ‘an indispensable person or thing’. It is spelt linch in preference to lynch , and as one word … Modern English usage
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 — UK [ˈlɪntʃpɪn] / US [ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn] noun [countable] Word forms linchpin : singular linchpin plural linchpins a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system … 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 — 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 — linch|pin [ lıntʃ,pın ] noun count a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan: linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
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 +… …
