ˈsentə n. & v. (US center) --n. 1
the middle point,
esp. of a line,
circle, or
sphere,
equidistant from the ends or from
any point on the
circumference or
surface. 2 a
pivot or axis of
rotation. 3 a a
place or
group of buildings forming a
central point in a
district,
city,
etc., or a main
area for an
activity (shopping centre;
town centre). b (with preceding word) a
piece or set of
equipment for a
number of
connected functions (music centre). 4 a point of
concentration or
dispersion; a
nucleus or
source. 5 a
political party or group
holding moderate opinions. 6 the
filling in a
chocolate etc. 7
Sport a the middle
player in a line or group in
some field games. b a kick or
hit from the
side to the centre of the pitch. 8 (in a
lathe etc.) a
conical adjustable
support for the
workpiece. 9 (attrib.) of or at the centre. --v. 1 intr. (foll. by
in,
on; disp. foll. by round)
have as
its main centre. 2 tr. place in the centre. 3 tr. mark
with a centre. 4 tr. (foll. by in etc.)
concentrate. 5 tr. Sport kick or hit (the ball) from the side to the centre of the pitch. øcentre-bit a
boring tool with a centre point
and side cutters. centre
forward Sport the middle player or
position in a forward line. centre
half Sport the middle player or position in a half-back line. centre of
attention 1 a
person or
thing that draws
general attention. 2
Physics the point to
which bodies tend by
gravity. centre of gravity (or mass) the point at which the
weight of a
body may be considered to
act. centre-piece 1 an
ornament for the middle of a
table. 2 a
principal item. centre
spread the
two facing middle pages of a
newspaper etc. øøcentred adj. (often in comb.). centremost adj. centric adj. centrical adj. centricity n. [ME f. OF centre or L centrum f. Gk kentron
sharp point]
