(~s)
1.
A ~ is a long, flat, rectangular piece of wood.
It was very strong, made of three solid ~s of wood.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
2.
The main ~ of a particular group or political party is the main principle on which it bases its policy, or its main aim. (JOURNALISM)
Encouraging people to shop locally is a central ~ of his environment policy.
N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n