fulcrum

/ˈfʊlkrəm/
noun
  1. The point on which a lever rests or is supported, and around which it turns.
    • To lift the heavy rock, place the fulcrum closer to the rock.
    • The seesaw's fulcrum is the triangular block in the middle.
    • A crowbar works best when the fulcrum is stable and firm.
  2. A thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation.
    • The treaty served as a fulcrum for peace negotiations.
    • Her leadership became the fulcrum of the entire project.
    • Education is the fulcrum of social progress.
What does "fulcrum" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean