linchpin
pronunciation
How to pronounce linchpin in British English:
UK [ˈlɪntʃpɪn]
How to pronounce linchpin in American English:
US [ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn]
-
- Noun:
- a central cohesive source of support and stability
- pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
Word Origin
- linchpin (n.)
- also linch-pin, late 14c., earlier linspin, from Middle English lins "axletree" (see linch) + pin (n.). The peg that holds a wheel on an axle; now mainly figurative.
Example
- 1. The linchpin of this eastward move would be vietnam .
- 2. A good coordinator is the linchpin of a successful program .
- 3. He views the country as a strategic linchpin whose loss would cost new delhi dearly .
- 4. The linchpin of wikileaks 's financial network is germany 's wau holland foundation .
- 5. It 's also a linchpin of the investment strategies of a growing number of hedge - and private-equity funds .