keystone

/'ki:stoun/
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keystone

The mason carefully places the keystone into the top of the stone archway.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The central stone at the summit of an arch or vault: In architecture, the keystone is the wedge-shaped stone placed at the very top of an arch. It locks all the other stones (voussoirs) in place and is essential for the arch's structural integrity.
    • A central cohesive source of support and stability: Figuratively, a keystone is the most important part of a system, plan, or organization, upon which everything else depends for stability and success.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun (Architectural):

    • The ancient Roman aqueducts are remarkable for their precision, especially the placement of the keystone in each arch.
    • During the restoration, the masons carefully replaced the damaged keystone to ensure the vault's stability.

  • Noun (Figurative):

    • Trust is the keystone of any strong relationship.
    • The new evidence became the keystone of the prosecutor's argument.
Advanced Usage

  • "Keystone species": In ecology, a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend. If it were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically.

    • The sea otter is a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems.

  • "Keystone habit": In psychology or behavior science, a habit that triggers a chain reaction, helping other good habits to fall into place.

    • For many people, daily exercise is a keystone habit that leads to better eating and sleeping patterns.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cornerstone (n): While similar, a cornerstone is traditionally the first stone set in a building's foundation, symbolizing its start. It can also mean an indispensable and fundamental basis, often used interchangeably with "keystone" in a figurative sense, though "keystone" emphasizes central, locking support.
    • Fairness is the cornerstone of our legal system.
Synonyms
  • Linchpin: A person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization.
  • Mainstay: A chief support or principal part.
  • Anchor: A person or thing that provides stability or confidence.
  • Foundation: The basis or groundwork of anything.
  • Core: The central or most important part.
Related Phrases

  • "The keystone of the argument": The central, most crucial point upon which an argument rests.

    • Her eyewitness testimony was the keystone of the defense's argument.

  • "To serve as a keystone": To function as the central, supporting element.

    • This treaty serves as a keystone for international cooperation on climate change.
Related Idioms
  • "The keystone cops": Refers to a series of silent film comedies featuring a group of incompetent policemen. The phrase is now used idiomatically to describe any situation marked by foolish, bumbling, or chaotic activity.
    • The project launch was a disaster, with everyone running around like the keystone cops.
keystone

The mason carefully places the keystone into the top of the stone archway.

Noun
  1. the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
  2. a central cohesive source of support and stability
    • faith is his anchor
    • the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money
    • he is the linchpin of this firm

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