Search Result for "linchpin": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. a central cohesive source of support and stability;
- Example: "faith is his anchor"
- Example: "the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money"
- Example: "he is the linchpin of this firm"
[syn: anchor, mainstay, keystone, backbone, linchpin, lynchpin]

2. pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on;
[syn: linchpin, lynchpin]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Linchpin \Linch"pin`\ (l[i^]nch"p[i^]n`), n. [AS. lynis the
   axletree; akin to D. luns linchpin, OS. lunisa, LG. lunse, G.
   l["u]nse, OHG. lun peg, bolt.]
   A pin used to prevent the wheel of a vehicle from sliding off
   the axletree.
   [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

linchpin
    n 1: a central cohesive source of support and stability; "faith
         is his anchor"; "the keystone of campaign reform was the
         ban on soft money"; "he is the linchpin of this firm" [syn:
         anchor, mainstay, keystone, backbone, linchpin,
         lynchpin]
    2: pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on [syn:
       linchpin, lynchpin]