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keystone

/ˈkiːstoʊn/  ·  say it: KEY·stohn

the central stone locking an arch together

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) the central stone at the top of an arch that holds all the other stones in place

2. (noun) the most important thing that something depends on; the basic principle or part that everything else is built on

Examples

• 1. The keystone of the arch was carved with decorative patterns.
• 2. Education is the keystone of a successful society.

Nearby in Architecture & Design

girder, insulation, joist, lintel, loft, louver