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keystone
(kē′stōn′)
noun
- the central, topmost stone of an arch, popularly thought of as especially holding the others in place
- 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
- Architecture The central wedge-shaped stone of an arch that locks its parts together. Also called headstone.
- The central supporting element of a whole.
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