center of gravity

American  

noun

1. Mechanics. the point through which the resultant of gravitational forces on a body passes and from which the resultant force of attraction of the body on other bodies emanates: coincident with the center of mass in a uniform gravitational field.

2. a person, thing, or idea that is the vital or pivotal focus of interest or activity within a larger entity.

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center of gravity Scientific  

/ sĕn′tər /

1. The center of mass of an object in the presence of a uniform gravitational field.

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center of gravity Cultural  

1. The point in any solid where a single applied force could support it; the point where the mass of the object is equally balanced. The center of gravity is also called the center of mass. When a man on a ladder leans sideways so far that his center of gravity is no longer over his feet, he begins to fall.

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Etymology

Origin of center of gravity

First recorded in 1650–60

Compare meaning

How does center-of-gravity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• center of mass vs. center of gravity

Example Sentences

The center of gravity for all of these projects is their chemistry.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

“It will be a struggle over who holds the center of gravity inside the organization, and that result is not preordained.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Cohesion is often referred to as the strategic center of gravity for NATO—its ability to act as one despite being made up of 32 countries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

But the center of gravity in the Senate remains resistant to change.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

If they had been paying any attention to their adversary in that moment before contact, they might have noticed that he shifted his weight to lower his center of gravity.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer