noun

1. a point equally distant from all points on the circumference of a circle or surface of a sphere
2. the point around which anything revolves; pivot
3. 1. a place at which an activity or complex of activities is carried on a shopping center
   2. a place from which ideas, influences, etc. emanate Paris, the fashion center
   3. a place to which many people are attracted a center of interest
4. the approximate middle point, place, or part of anything
5. a group of nerve cells regulating a particular function the vasomotor centers
6. Mech.
   1. one of two tapered or conical pins or rods, as on a lathe, for holding a piece of work in position
   2. an indentation in either end of such a piece in which the pin fits
7. Mil. that part of an army situated between the flanks
8. Politics a position, party, or group between the left (radicals and liberals) and the right (conservatives and reactionaries): so called from the position of the seats occupied in some European legislatures
9. Sports
   1. a player whose position at the start of a contest is at the center of the line or playing area
   2. Football the offensive lineman who passes the ball between the legs to a player in the backfield to start play
   3. Baseball center field

Etymology: ME & OFr centre < L centrum, center, orig., that point of the compass around which the other describes the circle < Gr kentron, sharp point, goad < kentein, to stitch < IE base *ent-, to prick > OHG hantag, sharp, Goth handugs, wise, ON hannarr, skillful

transitive verb

1. to place in, at, or near the center
2. to draw to one place; gather to a point
3. to furnish with a center
4. Football to pass (the ball) to a player in the backfield: said of the center

intransitive verb

1. to be centered; be concentrated or focused: usually with on or in
2. Sports to play the position of center