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

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

From Los Angeles Times

At the crux of the issue is a federal rule, newly reinterpreted, that requires critical access hospitals to be at least 35 miles from the next closest hospital when traveling by main roads.

From Los Angeles Times

And that's the crux, fighting the wrinkle is a war of attrition.

From BBC

While Eland’s sprawling solar panels are eye-catching, it’s the unassuming batteries — which look like rows of large white shipping containers — that are the real crux of the project.

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s transcend the digital realm for a moment and consider the crux of this pain point, which reveals a conundrum that reaches far beyond our phones.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bottom line 
• core 
• essence 
• gist 
• nub