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fulcrum

 - 6 dictionary results

ful⋅crum

  [fool-kruhm, fuhl-] noun, plural -crums, -cra  [-kruh] , verb
Use fulcrum in a Sentence
–noun
1. the support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns in moving a body.
2. any prop or support.
3. Zoology. any of various structures in an animal serving as a hinge or support.
–verb (used with object)
4. to fit with a fulcrum; put a fulcrum on.
Origin:
1665–75; < L: back-support of a couch, appar. for fulctrum, equiv. to fulc(īre) to hold up, support + -trum n. suffix of instrument
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fulcrum
ful·crum   (fŏŏl'krəm, fŭl'-)   
n.   pl. ful·crums or ful·cra (-krə)

  1. The point or support on which a lever pivots.

  2. Zoology An anatomical structure that acts as a hinge or a point of support.

  3. An agent through which vital powers are exercised.


[Latin, bedpost, from fulcīre, to support.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

fulcrum [(fool-kruhm, ful-kruhm)]

The point on which a lever is balanced when a force is exerted.

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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Word Origin & History

fulcrum 
1674, "a prop, a support," borrowing of L. fulcrum "bedpost," from fulcire "to prop up, support" (see balk).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

fulcrum ful·crum (f&oobreve;l'krəm, fŭl'-)
n. pl. ful·crums or ful·cra (-krə)

  1. The point or support on which a lever pivots.

  2. An anatomical structure that acts as a hinge or a point of support.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
fulcrum   (fl'krəm)  Pronunciation Key 


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The point or support on which a lever turns. The position of the fulcrum, relative to the positions of the load and effort, determines the type of lever.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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