Center Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ
center
[หsษntษr ]
Definitions
location
A point or place that is equally distant from all sides or points of a space; the middle.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She placed the vase in the center of the table.
- The town square is the center of the community.
organization
An organization or group that provides a particular service or is involved in a specific activity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The hospital is a medical center.
- The research center focuses on climate change.
focus
To focus on or concentrate on something.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Let's center our discussion on the main topic.
- She centered her attention on the task at hand.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, the center of a circle is equidistant from all points on its circumference.
- The coordinates of a center point in a 2D space are calculated using the average of the x and y coordinates of all outer points.
- In statistics, the median is often considered the center point of a data set, where half the numbers are below and half are above.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the center is associated with balance and stability, such as in Feng Shui, which emphasizes harmony in living spaces.
- Indigenous cultures often regard the center of their land as sacred, representing their connection to heritage and community.
- The United Nations has its headquarters at the center of New York City, symbolizing diplomacy and cooperation among nations.
Literature
- Many stories use the concept of a center, where the protagonist must journey from an outer position to find their true self at the story's core.
- In poetry, the center of a line can be a powerful focal point, drawing attention to love, loss, or identity.
- Great works like Danteโs 'Divine Comedy' explore concepts of the center of human experience, integrating moral lessons.
Science
- In physics, the center of mass is a crucial concept, indicating the average position of mass in a body, crucial for understanding motion.
- Astronomically, the center of our solar system is the sun, around which all planets, including Earth, orbit.
- Cell biology refers to the nucleus as the center of control for genetic information and cellular activities.
Origin of 'center'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'centrum,' which means 'the point which is equally distant from all edges.'
- In Middle English, the term evolved from the Old French 'centre' and was adopted in the 14th century.
- Its Greek origin 'kentron' refers to 'sharp point'โlike the middle of a wheel where all spokes meet.
The word 'center' originated from the Latin word 'centrum', meaning 'point around which something revolves'. The concept of a central point has been important in various fields such as geometry, physics, and organization. Over time, 'center' has evolved to represent not just a physical location, but also a core or focal point of an organization or activity.
See also: centering, centerpiece, central, centrist.