center of gravity

SEE SYNONYMS FOR center of gravity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Mechanics. the point through which the resultant of gravitational forces on a body passes and from which the resultant force of attraction of the body on other bodies emanates: coincident with the center of mass in a uniform gravitational field.
a person, thing, or idea that is the vital or pivotal focus of interest or activity within a larger entity.

Origin of center of gravity

First recorded in 1650–60

Words nearby center of gravity

center forward, center halfback, center jump, center of attraction, the, center of curvature, center of gravity, center of mass, center of ossification, center of percussion, center of symmetry, center pin

Scientific definitions for center of gravity

center of gravity
[ sĕn′tər ]

The center of mass of an object in the presence of a uniform gravitational field.

Cultural definitions for center of gravity

center of gravity

The point in any solid where a single applied force could support it; the point where the mass of the object is equally balanced. The center of gravity is also called the center of mass. When a man on a ladder leans sideways so far that his center of gravity is no longer over his feet, he begins to fall.