(?), n. [F. centre, fr. L. centrum, fr. round which a circle is described, fr. / to prick, goad.] 1.
A point equally distant from the extremities of a line, figure, or body, or from all parts of the circumference of a circle; the middle point or place.
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2.
The middle or central portion of anything.
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3.
A principal or important point of concentration; the nucleus around which things are gathered or to which they tend; an object of attention, action, or force; as, a center of attaction.
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4.
The earth. [Obs.] Shak.
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5.
Those members of a legislative assembly (as in France) who support the existing government. They sit in the middle of the legislative chamber, opposite the presiding officer, between the conservatives or monarchists, who sit on the right of the speaker, and the radicals or advanced republicans who occupy the seats on his left, See Right, and Left.
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6. (Arch.)
A temporary structure upon which the materials of a vault or arch are supported in position until the work becomes self-supporting.
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7. (Mech.) (a)
One of the two conical steel pins, in a lathe, etc., upon which the work is held, and about which it revolves. (b)
A conical recess, or indentation, in the end of a shaft or other work, to receive the point of a center, on which the work can turn, as in a lathe.
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