Linchpin

Linchpin

A linchpin or lynchpin is a metal part used in mechanical engineering to prevent a wheel or other rotating part from sliding off the axle it is riding on. It is named after Nathaniel Lynch, the English mechanic who first patented its use [cite book | pages=p.1321 | title=Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary | first= William Henry |last=Knight| publisher = Hurd & Houghton | year = 1877] in 1727.

In colloquial speech, it is used to refer to the object at the center of a certain situation. An example of this is the main character in a sitcom, who acts as the glue that keeps all the other characters and situations together.

In music

* Linchpin is a/the only single by Metal musical act Fear Factory from their 2001 album "Digimortal".

* Linchpin is a musical act from southeast London. The band consists of four members, Joey Cass: Vocals, Guitar. Paul Bugler: Guitar. Michael Cass: Bass. Olle Som: Drummer. They have toured a large number of small and large venues in the UK, and have played with the likes of well known American & Canadian bands Good Charlotte and Sum41.They have released three EPs. Jesus Had Long Hair, Small Town Theory and All That Glitters, their latest release.

*Lynchpin were a Nu Metal/Metal band from York, North Yorkshire, they had four e.p's. [Lies, misguided lessons, the second chapter and in the interest of absolution.] once signed to hangmans joke records.

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • linchpin — linch‧pin [ˈlɪntʆˌpɪn] also lynchpin noun [singular] the most important thing or person in a system, plan etc, which everything else depends on: • The consumer is the linchpin of the economy. * * * linchpin UK US (also lynchpin) /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ nou …   Financial and business terms

  • linchpin — [linch′pin΄] n. [ME lynspin < lyns (< OE lynis, linchpin, akin to Ger lünse < IE base * (e)lei to bend > ELL2, Sans āṇíh, linchpin) + pin, PIN] 1. a pin that goes through the end of an axle outside the wheel to keep the wheel from… …   English World dictionary

  • 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] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • linchpin — also linch pin, late 14c., earlier linspin, from M.E. lins axletree (see LINCH (Cf. linch)) + PIN (Cf. pin) (n.). The peg that holds a wheel on an axle; now mainly figurative …   Etymology dictionary

  • linchpin — originally a pin put through the end of an axle to keep the wheel in position, is mostly used in its figurative sense ‘an indispensable person or thing’. It is spelt linch in preference to lynch , and as one word …   Modern English usage

  • linchpin — (also lynchpin) ► NOUN 1) a pin through the end of an axle keeping a wheel in position. 2) an indispensable person or thing. ORIGIN Old English …   English terms dictionary

  • linchpin — UK [ˈlɪntʃpɪn] / US [ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn] noun [countable] Word forms linchpin : singular linchpin plural linchpins a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system …   English dictionary

  • linchpin — also lynchpin noun Etymology: Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin Date: 13th century 1. a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft) 2.… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • linchpin — linch|pin [ lıntʃ,pın ] noun count a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan: linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • linchpin — /ˈlɪntʃpɪn / (say linchpin) noun 1. a pin inserted through the end of an axle to keep the wheel on. 2. the key point of a plan, argument, etc. 3. a key person or event, as in a play, etc. Also, lynchpin. {linch , Old English lynis linchpin +… …  

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”