keystone

(stōn′)

noun

  1. the central, topmost stone of an arch, popularly thought of as especially holding the others in place
  2. that one of a number of associated parts or things that supports or holds together the others; main part or principle

adjective

designating, of, or like the slapstick comedy of a series of silent films featuring a bungling, inept squad of policemen ( or ) in wild chases, etc.

Origin: after Keystone Comedy Co., the film producers

See keystone in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Architecture The central wedge-shaped stone of an arch that locks its parts together. Also called headstone.
  2. The central supporting element of a whole.

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