noun
fulcrum
FUUL-krum/ˈfʊlkrəm/
A supporting point around which something turns.
The triangular support provides a fulcrum beneath the lever holding the stone.
Etymology
Latin fulcrum named a bedpost or couch foot—something that holds furniture up. The mechanical meaning keeps this supporting function but applies it to the point on which a lever turns.
In context
this point is our center of gravity if we swap one of these weights for a heavier one at the same position in order to balance this plank now that fulcrum our center of gravity will need to move closer
More examples
- She uses a flat rock as a fulcrum for the crowbar.
- Moving the fulcrum closer to the load makes lifting easier.
- Both levers rotate around fixed fulcrums.
Forms
fulcrum · fulcrums · fulcra