—n.
1 the middle point, esp. of a line, circle, or sphere, equidistant from the ends or from any point on the circumference or surface.
2 a pivot or axis of rotation.
3 a a place or group of buildings forming a central point in a district, city, etc., or a main area for an activity (shopping centre; town centre). b (with preceding word) a piece or set of equipment for a number of connected functions (music centre).
4 a point of concentration or dispersion; a nucleus or source.
5 a political party or group holding moderate opinions.
6 the filling in a chocolate etc.
7 Sport a the middle player in a line or group in some field games. b a kick or hit from the side to the centre of the pitch.
8 (in a lathe etc.) a conical adjustable support for the workpiece.
9 (attrib.) of or at the centre.
—v.
1 intr. (foll. by in, on; disp. foll. by round) have as its main centre.
2 tr. place in the centre.
3 tr. mark with a centre.
4 tr. (foll. by in etc.) concentrate.
5 tr. Sport kick or hit (the ball) from the side to the centre of the pitch.
Phrases and idioms:
centre-bit a boring tool with a centre point and side cutters. centre forward Sport the middle player or position in a forward line. centre half Sport the middle player or position in a half-back line. centre of attention
1 a person or thing that draws general attention.
2 Physics the point to which bodies tend by gravity. centre of gravity (or mass) the point at which the weight of a body may be considered to act.
centre-piece
1 an ornament for the middle of a table.
2 a principal item. centre spread the two facing middle pages of a newspaper etc.
Derivatives:
centred adj. (often in comb.). centremost adj. centric adj. centrical adj. centricity n.
Etymology: ME f. OF centre or L centrum f. Gk kentron sharp point
Useful english dictionary. 2012.