I. ˈsen-trəl adjective
Etymology: Latin centralis, from centrum center
Date: 1647
1. : containing or constituting a center
2. : of primary importance : essential , principal
the central character of the novel
3.
a. : situated at, in, or near the center
b. : easily accessible from outlying districts
a central location for the new theater
4.
a. : centrally placed and superseding separate scattered units
central heating
b. : controlling or directing local or branch activities
the central committee
5. : holding to a middle between extremes : moderate
6. : of, relating to, or comprising the brain and spinal cord ; also : originating within the central nervous system
central deafness
• cen·tral·ly -trə-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1889
1. : a telephone exchange or operator
2. : a central office or bureau usually controlling others
weather central
3. : a center or hub for a specified activity or group
her house is party central
the family room becomes kid central