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center

noun
cen·​ter | \ ˈsen-tÉ™r How to pronounce center (audio) , ˈse-nÉ™r\

Definition of center

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the point around which a circle or sphere is described broadly : a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point

— called also center of symmetry

b : the center of the circle inscribed in a regular (see regular entry 1 sense 3b) polygon
2a : a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition a railroad center the center of the controversy
b : a source from which something originates a propaganda center
c : a group of neurons having a common function respiratory center
d : a region of concentrated population an urban center
e : a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service a day-care center a shopping center a medical center
3a : the middle part (as of the forehead or a stage)

b often capitalized

(1) : a grouping of political figures holding moderate views especially between those of conservatives and liberals
(2) : the views of such politicians The party's new policies show a shift toward the center.
(3) : the adherents of such views
4a : a player occupying a middle position on a team: such as
(1) : the football player in the middle of a line who passes the ball between his legs to a back to start a down
(2) : the usually tallest player on a basketball team who usually plays near the basket
b : center field
5a : either of two tapered rods which support work in a lathe or grinding machine and about or with which the work revolves
b : a conical recess in the end of work (such as a shaft) for receiving such a center

center

verb
centered; centering\ ˈsen-​t(É™-​)riÅ‹ How to pronounce centering (audio) , ˈse-​nÉ™r-​iÅ‹ \

Definition of center (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to place or fix at or around a center or central area center the picture on the wall
2 : to give a central focus or basis centers her hopes on her son the plot was centered on espionage
3 : to adjust (things, such as lenses) so that the axes coincide
4a : to pass (a ball or puck) from either side toward the middle of the playing area
b : to hand or pass (a football) backward between one's legs to a back (see back entry 1 sense 3) to start a down
5 : to play center (see center entry 1 sense 4) on center a line in hockey

intransitive verb

: to have a specified center : focus
Other Words from center Synonyms & Antonyms What prepositions are used with center?: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about center

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Other Words from center

Noun

centerless \ ˈsen-​tÉ™r-​lÉ™s How to pronounce centerless (audio) , ˈse-​nÉ™r-​ \ adjective

What prepositions are used with center?: Usage Guide

Verb

The intransitive verb center is most commonly used with the prepositions in, on, at, and around. At appears to be favored in mathematical contexts; the others are found in a broad range of contexts. Center around, a standard idiom, has often been objected to as illogical. The logic on which the objections are based is irrelevant, since center around is an idiom and idioms have their own logic. Center on is currently more common in edited prose, and revolve around and similar verbs are available if you want to avoid center around.

Examples of center in a Sentence

Noun

 the center of the room The staircase is in the center of the building. They are at the center of a furious debate over whether or not to expand the city's public transportation system. The vaccine is being tested at several medical centers around the country.

Verb

 Center the picture on the wall. centered administrative duties under the command of a single person
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 In a settlement with Purdue Pharma, the payments will go to a new foundation and a center researching pain and addiction. — Kevin Mccoy, USA TODAY, "'Clearly a game.' Opioid lawsuit settlements arranged to give drug companies a tax break, experts say," 12 Sep. 2019 Three-star center Christian Koloko then committed in September, before a second five-star recruit, Josh Green, joined the group in October. — Emily Caron, SI.com, "Arizona Looks to Ride New Wave of Recruits Back Into Prominence," 12 Sep. 2019 Ben-Eliyahu and colleagues have launched a trial at Israeli medical centers that aims to recruit 210 people with pancreatic cancer, some of whom will start to take propranolol and etodolac a few days before surgery to remove their tumors. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "How the body’s nerves become accomplices in the spread of cancer," 12 Sep. 2019 The story of Peter Pan centers around a free-spirited and mischievous young boy who never wanted to grow up. —

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