hub

[huhb]

noun

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.

   Synonyms: heart, pivot, core

4. the Hub, Boston, Massachusetts (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. Computers.,  a device connecting others in a network and enabling communication among them by receiving data packets from any of the devices and broadcasting them to every device on the network irrespective of the intended destination: used primarily in small local area networks.

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

9. Surveying.,  a stake bearing a tack used to mark a theodolite position.

10. Metalworking.,  a die forced into a metal blank.

verb (used with object)

hubbed, hubbing 

1. Metalworking.,  to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.

hub

/ hʌb /

noun

1. the central portion of a wheel, propeller, fan, etc, through which the axle passes

2. the focal point

3. computing a device for connecting computers in a network

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of hob ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

C17: probably variant of _hob ¹

Example Sentences

Wiener also this term passed a controversial housing bill that will increase density around transit hubs, and spearheaded a bill to regulate artificial intelligence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A Hong Kong arts hub cancelled the revival of an LGBTQ-themed play hours before tickets went on sale on Saturday, the cast said, after complaints that it "defames" the Chinese city.

Read more on Barron's

The site of their latest campaign is in Dieplsoot – a poor township of more than 200,000 people near the country's commercial hub.

Read more on BBC

The Nord Stream pipelines had long been controversial in Eastern Europe for generating vast revenues for Moscow while bypassing Ukraine, a traditional transit hub for Russian energy exports.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The spokesperson said the government was introducing Neighbourhood Health Services in communities, which would "work in partnership with family hubs, schools, nurseries and colleges to offer timely support to children, young people and their families".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• nerve center