noun
fulcrum
FUULK-ruhm
noun
1
The fixed point on which a lever rests and turns.
"The seesaw balances on a central fulcrum."
"A crowbar needs a solid fulcrum to lift heavy objects."
2
Figuratively, the central point on which everything else depends.
"Trust became the fulcrum of their whole partnership."
How to Use Fulcrum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe pivot point that everything else turns or balances around, literally or figuratively.
Common pairings
act as a fulcrum
the fulcrum of the lever
a fulcrum for change
Word Forms
fulcrums plural, fulcra plural
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The seesaw balances on a central _____.
Etymology
From Latin fulcrum, "bedpost" or "prop," from fulcio, "to support."