2006-12-25 02:55:49 · 4 answers · asked by hathersagemarevel 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
A linchpin (occasionally 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.
In colloquial speech, it is used to refer to the object at the center of a certain situation. An example of this is the main character in a sitcom, who acts as the glue that keeps all the other characters and situations together.
2006-12-25 04:01:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Main Entry: linch·pin
Variant(s): also lynch·pin /'linch-"pin/
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin
1 : a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
2 : one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit
2006-12-25 12:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by Turmoyl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A linchpin a pin that locks onto to end of an axle and keeps a gear or wheel in place. It's derived by combining the Old English word "lynis" (which, itself, means "linchpin") with the word "pin".
2006-12-25 11:58:05 · answer #3 · answered by marbledog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it used to mean the pin used to hold two train carriages together. Will check and get back to you.
2006-12-25 11:00:21 · answer #4 · answered by splat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋