Keystone

Pronunciation: /ˈkiˌstoʊn/

Definitions of keystone

noun a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together

Example Sentences

A1 The keystone held the arch in place.

A2 The keystone of the project was the team leader's innovative idea.

B1 The keystone of the argument was the supporting evidence provided.

B2 The keystone of the company's success was their strong customer base.

C1 The keystone of the political campaign was the candidate's charisma and public speaking skills.

C2 The keystone of the theory was the groundbreaking research conducted by the scientist.

Examples of keystone in a Sentence

formal The keystone is the central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the other stones in position.

informal The keystone of the project is the final presentation that we need to prepare.

slang That new software update is the keystone for fixing all the bugs in the system.

figurative Education is often seen as the keystone to success in life.

Grammatical Forms of keystone

• past tense: keystoned
• plural: keystones
• comparative: more keystone
• superlative: most keystone
• present tense: keystones
• future tense: will keystone
• perfect tense: have keystoned
• continuous tense: is keystoning
• singular: keystone
• positive degree: keystone
• infinitive: to keystone
• gerund: keystoning
• participle: keystoned

Origin and Evolution of keystone

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'keystone' originates from the architectural world, where it refers to the wedge-shaped stone at the apex of an arch that holds the other stones in place.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'keystone' has come to be used metaphorically to describe something that is essential or crucial, much like how the physical keystone is vital for the stability of an arch.