fulcrum

noun

ful·crum ˈfu̇l-krəm

ˈfəl-

plural fulcrums or fulcra ˈfu̇l-krə

ˈfəl-

: prop

specifically : the support about which a lever turns

the camera moves on a fixed fulcrum, either horizontally (panning) or vertically (tilting) —

Gerald Mast

: one that supplies capability for action

he is … the reader's eyes and ears and the fulcrum of his judgment—

Bernard De Voto

: a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support

Did you know?

Fulcrum, which means "bedpost" in Latin, comes from the verb fulcire, which means "to prop." When the word fulcrum was first used in the 17th century, it referred to the point on which a lever or similar device (such as the oar of a boat) is supported. The literal use easily supported figurative use, and it didn't take long for the word to develop a meaning referring to one deemed essential to the function or development of something. Despite fulcrum's multiple senses, the word's meanings have kept a steady theme. In zoology, fulcrum refers to a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support, such as the joint supporting a bird's wing.

Examples of fulcrum in a Sentence

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Popular on Variety Nigro, 42, has been the creative fulcrum for Rodrigo and Roan since early in both their careers, fulfilling his goal of partnering with artists who have a specific vision. —

Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 The fulcrum of the campaign was the Contract with America, a policy blueprint that stressed reducing the size of government, slashing taxes and welfare reform. —

Antonio Fins, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024 An Irish woman teaching English as a foreign language in Hong Kong is the story’s central fulcrum. —

Tomi Obaro, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 Washington will likely have at least one, if not two, lottery picks in the upcoming draft, and the front office needs to figure out if the franchise needs another frontcourt piece, or if Austin and Edwards can be the fulcrums going forward. —

Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fulcrum