(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
The ~ in a situation is the most important thing which everything else is based on or arranged around.
Forming the ~ of the exhibition is a large group of watercolours.
N-COUNT: usu the N in sing, oft the N of n
2.
If something ~s, it balances or turns on a central point.
The boat ~ed on its central axis and pointed straight at the harbour entrance...
She ~s gracefully on the stage...
He ~ed his whole body through ninety degrees.
VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V n prep
3.
A ~ is the pin or the central point on which something balances or turns.
The pedal had sheared off at the ~.
N-COUNT: usu sing