crux

¹

[kruhks]

noun

plural

cruxes, cruces 

1. a vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point.

   The crux of the trial was his whereabouts at the time of the murder.

   Synonyms: gist, core, heart, essence

2. a cross.

3. something that torments by its puzzling nature; a perplexing difficulty.

Crux

²

[kruhks]

noun

Astronomy.

genitive

Crucis 

1. Southern Cross.

crux

¹

/ krʌks /

noun

1. a vital or decisive stage, point, etc (often in the phrase the crux of the matter )

2. a baffling problem or difficulty

3. mountaineering the most difficult and often decisive part of a climb or pitch

4. a rare word for cross

Crux

²

/ krʌks /

noun

1. the more formal name for the Southern Cross

Word History and Origins

Origin of crux¹

1635–45; < Latin: stake, scaffold, or cross used in executions, torment; figurative senses perhaps < New Latin crux ( interpretum ) (commentators') torment, a difficult passage in a text; crucial

Origin of crux²

< Latin: a cross

Word History and Origins

Origin of crux¹

C18: from Latin: cross

Example Sentences

The crux of the White House deal announced Thursday centers on Medicare.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That enthusiasm reflects budding interest in an industry that, like artificial intelligence, may become a crux of geopolitical competition that the U.S. seeks to dominate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Therein is the important crux of this book.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“These are the crux of what makes a union strong and the very, very bottom line of what members need and want,” Dubal said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That’s the crux of the dispute: Was it a few innocent photos or an unauthorized production?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bottom line 
• core 
• essence 
• gist 
• nub