Etimology
Borrowed from Middle French centre, from Latin centrum, from Ancient Greek κέντρον (kéntron), from κεντεῖν (kenteîn, “to prick, goad”). Doublet of centrum. (group theory): In the notation Z(G), the letter Z derives from the German Zentrum (“center”).
noun
center (plural centers) (American spelling) (Canadian spelling, alternative)
The point in the interior of a circle that is equidistant from all points on the circumference. [from 14th c.]
The point in the interior of a sphere that is equidistant from all points on the circumference. [from 14th c.]
The middle portion of something; the part well away from the edges.
(geometry) The point on a line that is midway between the ends.
(geometry) The point in the interior of any figure of any number of dimensions that has as its coordinates the arithmetic mean of the coordinates of all points on the perimeter of the figure (or of all points in the interior for a center of volume).
(group theory, ring theory) The subgroup (respectively, subring), denoted Z(G), of those elements of a given group (respectively, ring) G that commute with every element of G.
A place, especially a building or complex, set aside for some specified function or activity.
(politics) The ensemble of moderate or centrist political parties.
The venue in which the head of government in a centralized state is situated.
A topic that is particularly important in a given context, the element in a subject of cognition, volition or discussion that is perceived as decisive.
(sports) A player in the middle of a playing area.
A certain mechanical implement functioning in the middle of a whole apparatus
Examples
If a point be taken within a circle, and more than two equal straight lines fall from the point on the circle, the point taken is the centre of the circle.
Japanese scientists are to explore the centre of the Earth. Using a giant drill ship launched next month, the researchers aim to be the first to punch a hole through the rocky crust that covers our planet and to reach the mantle below.
[...] their portion set As far remov'd from God and light of Heav'n As from the Center thrice to th'utmost Pole.
Leo. No: if I mistake In those Foundations which I build upon, The Centre is not bigge enough to beare A Schoole-Boyes Top.
shopping center, convention center, civic center, garment center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Rockefeller Center
In Anatolia tensions between state officials and the peasants were strained to breaking point.At several places—particularly in the frontier provinces—there were fierce clashes between the janissaries stationed there and the governors. In Aleppo and Damascus incidents were common after 1589: the kuls threw rocks at the beylerbeyi’s house, killed people, broke into the divan several times and took the money prepared by the council for remittance to the centre.
the center of the controversy
the center of attention
Bent twice sent efforts wide of the far post after cutting in from the left, Wellbeck missed his kick from an inviting centre and failed to get on the end of a looping pass when six yards out.
Gatland's side got back to within striking distance when fly-half Jones's clever pass sent centre Jonathan Davies arcing round Shontayne Hape.
Related words
synonyms
(point on a line midway between the ends): midpoint; see also Thesaurus:midpoint
(point in the interior of figure with mean coordinates): centroid, center of gravity, center of mass
(middle portion of something): middle, midst
antonyms
periphery
adjective
center (not comparable) (American spelling)
Of, at, or related to a center.
Related words
synonyms
central
verb
center (third-person singular simple present centers, present participle centering, simple past and past participle centered) (American spelling)
(transitive) To cause (an object) to occupy the center of an area.
(transitive) To cause (some attribute, such as a mood or voltage) to be adjusted to a value which is midway between the extremes.
(transitive) To give (something) a central basis.
(intransitive) To concentrate on (something), to pay close attention to (something).
(engineering) To form a recess or indentation for the reception of a center.
Examples
Thy joys are centred all in me alone.
He centered the heading of the document.
However, Lucas also centered the plot around the protection of the secret Death Star plans, which now filled the role of the clan treasure the enemy is seeking in Hidden Fortress; […]
The plot centers on the life of a working-class family.
The discussion centered around the recent issues.
Related words
related terms
central