crux

noun

ˈkrəks  ˈkru̇ks 

plural cruxes also cruces ˈkrü-ˌsēz 

1

: a puzzling or difficult problem : an unsolved question

The origin of the word is a scholarly crux.

2

: an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome

3

: a main or central feature (as of an argument)

… he discarded all but the essential cruxes of his argument.

—Carl Van Doren

Did you know?

In Latin, crux referred literally to an instrument of torture, often a cross or stake, and figuratively to the torture and misery inflicted by means of such an instrument. Crux eventually developed the sense of "a puzzling or difficult problem"; that was the first meaning that was used when the word entered English in the early 18th century. Later, in the late 19th century, crux began to be used more specifically to refer to an essential point of a legal case that required resolution before the case as a whole could be resolved. Today, the verdict on crux is that it can be used to refer to any important part of a problem or argument, inside or outside of the courtroom.

Synonyms

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• centerpiece
• core
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of crux in a Sentence

the crux of the problem is that the school's current budget is totally inadequate

Recent Examples on the Web

The main crux of the argument is that his steals are overkill and do not have much value. —Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024

The slate announcement catches the U.S. TV scene at a particular crux. —John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024

The emotional crux of the show is Joan and Kelly, and each and every scene is just heartbreak. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024

Of course, the biggest challenge for any startup is gaining traction, and this challenge is even more pointed in a blockchain scenario, where network effects are the very crux of success. —Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin cruc-, crux cross, torture

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crux

• the crux

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Kids Definition

crux

noun

ˈkrəks  ˈkru̇ks 

plural cruxes also cruces ˈkrü-ˌsēz 

: the most important point

the crux of the problem

Etymology

from Latin crux "cross, torture, trouble" — related to cross, crucial, crucify