keystone

noun
UK: /ˈkiːstəʊn/
US: /ˈkiːstoʊn/

  1. The most important part of something that holds everything else together.

    1. The keystone holds the arch together.
    2. The hospital is the keystone of healthcare in our community offering critical care services.

  2. A central stone at the top of an arch that locks the other stones in place.

    1. The arch was completed with the keystone.
    2. The mason carefully placed the keystone ensuring the structural integrity of the archway.

  3. A principle, idea, or policy on which something else depends.

    1. Trust is a keystone of a good marriage.
    2. Environmental protection is the keystone of sustainable development policies around the globe.

Synonyms

crux cornerstone foundation basis linchpin
keystone verb

  1. To be the most important part of something.

    1. That deal will keystone our success.
    2. Strategic planning will keystone the entire project, ensuring successful completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "keystone" in English means: The most important part of something that holds everything else together., A central stone at the top of an arch that locks the other stones in place., A principle, idea, or policy on which something else depends..

The phonetic transcription of "keystone" is /ˈkiːstəʊn/ in British English and /ˈkiːstoʊn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "keystone": crux, cornerstone, foundation, basis, linchpin.

Example usage of "keystone": "The keystone holds the arch together.". More examples on the page.