center of gravity

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:
1650–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To center of gravity

American Heritage

Science Dictionary

center of gravity

(sěn'tər) Pronunciation Key
The center of mass of an object in the presence of a uniform gravitational field.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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00:10

Center of gravity is always a great word to know.

So is slumgullion. Does it mean:

a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.

a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.

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American Heritage

Cultural Dictionary

center of gravity definition

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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Example sentences

The point of intersection is called the center of gravity.

The point is that for some time the center of gravity for achievement has been

shifting away from the topmost colleges.

The center of gravity is the point at which an airplane would balance if it

were suspended at that point.

All your weight is above the wheel, raising the center of gravity.

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Matching Quote

"Desiring something is, without doubt, a move toward possession of that something ("possession" meaning that in some way or other the object should enter our orbit and become part of us). For this reason, desire automatically dies when it is fulfilled; it ends with satisfaction. Love, on the other hand, is eternally unsatisfied. Desire has a passive character; when I desire something, what I actually desire is that the object come to me. Being the center of gravity, I await things to fall down before me. Love ... is the exact reverse of desire, for love is all activity. Instead of the object coming to me, it is I who go to the object and become part of it."

-José Ortega Y Gasset