hub

the central part of a wheel, as that part into which the spokes are inserted.

the central part or axle end from which blades or spokelike parts radiate on various devices, as on a fan or propeller.

a center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate; a focus of activity, authority, commerce, transportation, etc.:

the Hub, Boston, Massachusetts (used as a nickname).

the peg or hob used as a target in quoits and similar games.

any one of the holes in an electrical panel, into which connections may be plugged.

Computers. a device connecting others in a network and enabling communication among them by receiving data packets from any of the devices and broadcasting them to every device on the network irrespective of the intended destination: used primarily in small local area networks. Compare switch ( def 6a ).

Coining. a design of hardened steel in relief, used as a punch in making a die.

Surveying. a stake bearing a tack used to mark a theodolite position.

Metalworking. a die forced into a metal blank.

Metalworking. to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.