hub

/hub/, n., v., hubbed, hubbing.

n.

1. the central part of a wheel, as that part into which the spokes are inserted.

2. the central part or axle end from which blades or spokelike parts radiate on various devices, as on a fan or propeller.

3. a center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate; a focus of activity, authority, commerce, transportation, etc.: Chicago is a railroad hub.

4. the Hub, Boston, Mass. (used as a nickname).

5. the peg or hob used as a target in quoits and similar games.

6. any one of the holes in an electrical panel, into which connections may be plugged.

7. Coining. a design of hardened steel in relief, used as a punch in making a die.

8. Survey. a stake bearing a tack used to mark a theodolite position.

9. Metalworking. a die forced into a metal blank.

v.t.

10. Metalworking. to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.

[1505-15; perh. var. of HOB¹]

Syn. 3. core, pivot, heart.

* * *