center
[ sen-ter ]
/ ˈsɛn tər /
noun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
Idioms for center
on center,
from the centerline or midpoint of a structural member, an area of a plan, etc., to that of a similar member, area, etc.: The studs are set 30 inches on center. Abbreviation: o.c.
Also
especially British,
cen·tre.
Origin of center
1325–75; variant of Middle English
centre < Latin
centrum < Greek
kéntron needle, spur, pivoting point in drawing a circle, derivative of
kenteîn to sting
usage note for center
28. Although sometimes condemned for alleged illogicality, the phrases
center about and
center around have appeared in edited writing for more than a century to express the sense of gathering or collecting as if around a center:
The objections center around the question of fiscal responsibility.
OTHER WORDS FROM center
cen·ter·a·ble, adjective cen·ter·less, adjective su·per·cen·ter, nounWords nearby center
Example sentences from the Web for center
British Dictionary definitions for center
Medical definitions for center
center
[ sĕn′tər ]
n.
A point or place in the body that is equally distant from its sides or outer boundaries; the middle.
A group of neurons in the central nervous system that control a particular function.
Idioms and Phrases with center
center