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keystone definition

key·stone (kē′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
Keystone definition

☆ Key·stone (kē′stōn′)

adjective

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

Etymology: after Keystone Comedy Co., the film producers

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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