Center
/ˈsɛn.tər/noun
The middle point of something; the place or point around which things are arranged or balanced.
Did you know?“Center” ultimately comes from Greek kentron, meaning a sharp point or goad, so the “middle” began as a tool that *pierces* and *drives*—not a calm, balanced place.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kentron
“a sharp point, goad, or sting; also the point of a compass”
Late Latin
Latin
centrum
“center point of a circle or sphere”
Old French
Old French
centre
“middle point”
14th Century
English
centre
“the middle point or heart of something”
Modern English
English
center
“the middle point; the focal place around which things are arranged”