A keystone is a stone at the top of an arch, which keeps the other stones in place by its weight and position.
[technical]
2. countable noun [usually singular]
A keystoneof a policy, system, or process is an important part of it, which is the basis for later developments.
Keeping inflation low is the keystone of their economic policy. [+ of/in]
Synonyms: basis, principle, core, crux More Synonyms of keystone
keystone in British English
(ˈkiːˌstəʊn)
noun
1. Also called: headstone, quoin
the central stone at the top of an arch or the top stone of a dome or vault
2.
something that is necessary to connect or support a number of other related things
Keystone in American English
(ˈkiˌstoʊn)
US
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.
Word origin
after Keystone Comedy Co., the film producers
keystone in American English
(ˈkiˌstoʊn)
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
Examples of 'keystone' in a sentence
keystone
It dislodged the keystone that was not very securely jammed under the rear wheel.
Hilton, John Buxton PASSION IN THE PEAK (2004)
The fragment of flint in Leaphorn's palm became a sort of keystone.
Hillerman, Tony THE JOE LEAPHORN MYSTERIES (2004)
In other languages
keystone
British English: keystone NOUN
A keystone is a stone at the top of an arch, which keeps the other stones in place by its weight and position.
American English: keystone
Brazilian Portuguese: pedra angular
Chinese: 基础
European Spanish: dovela
French: clé de voûte
German: Schlussstein
Italian: chiave di volta
Japanese: 基本原理
Korean: 초석
European Portuguese: pedra angular
Latin American Spanish: dovela
(noun)
Definition
the most important part of a process, organization, etc.
the keystone of the government's economic policy
Synonyms
basis
The UN plan is a possible basis for negotiation.
principle
the principles of quantum theory
core
crux
ground
source
spring
the hidden springs of consciousness
root
We got to the root of the problem.
motive
cornerstone
Effective opposition is a cornerstone of any democracy.
lynchpin
mainspring
Music has always been the mainspring of my life.
fundament
quoin
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cornerstone
Definition
an indispensable part or basis
Effective opposition is a cornerstone of any democracy.