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Glite Dictionary
🔑 The key part 📎 A locking pin
lynchpin

lynchpin

8.1
A pin pushed through the end of an axle to hold a wheel in place
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪnʧˌpɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pasador
  • The wagon's wheel almost fell off when the lynchpin broke during the ride.

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the lynchpin to secure the wheel.

  • Without a proper lynchpin, the cart wheel would have slipped off easily.

  • Before setting out, Tom checked that each lynchpin was securely fastened to the axle.

  • A missing lynchpin can cause serious safety issues.

  • The mechanic inserted a lynchpin to secure the wheel onto the axle.

  • After replacing the tire, he tightened the lynchpin to ensure stability.

  • To prevent the wheel from falling off, check that the lynchpin is properly in place.

Synonyms

linchpin
vslynchpin
7.5

A pin pushed through the axle end to keep a wheel in place

has identical meaning but differs as an alternate spelling with y

Surface Forms

lynchpin singular
lynchpins plural

Morphology

lynchpin = linch + pin (semi-transparent) = linch + pin

The compound is literal (linch + pin), but 'linch' is archaic/obscure, so learners who know only 'pin' will not fully derive the technical mechanical meaning.

Etymology

Lynchpin comes from an old part lynch meaning the cart 'axle' and the familiar pin, so it originally named the small fastener that 'held' a wheel in place.