serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"
A central group or organization makes all the important decisions that are followed throughout a larger organization or a country. There is a lack of trust towards the central government in Rome. the central committee of the Cuban communist party. + centrally cen·tral·ly This is a centrally planned economy
A place that is central is easy to reach because it is in the centre of a city, town, or particular area. a central location in the capital. + centrally cen·tral·ly this centrally located hotel, situated on the banks of the Marne Canal
Something that is central is in the middle of a place or area. Central America's Caribbean coast a rich woman living in central London. + centrally cen·tral·ly The main cabin has its full-sized double bed centrally placed with plenty of room around it
a workplace that serves as a telecommunications facility where lines from telephones can be connected together to permit communication in or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area; "a central position"; "central heating and air conditioning"
The central person or thing in a particular situation is the most important one. Black dance music has been central to mainstream pop since the early '60s. a central part of their culture. + centrality cen·tral·ity The centrality of the German economy to the welfare of Europe must be recognised. + centrally cen·tral·ly In her memoirs Naomi is quick to acknowledge that her grandmother was centrally important in her venture as a writer. central processing unit Central America Central Asian arts central bank Central Intelligence Agency central limit theorem Central Pacific Railroad Central Park Central Powers Central Valley Valle Central Grand Central Station Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Co. Massif Central New York Central Railroad Central African Republic Central Treaty Organization
used in the description of a place that in the middle of another place; "the people of Central and Northern Europe"; "country in central Africa