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

Officials hope that preserving the church as a community hub will help give the city new life, while encouraging future generations to stay.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We appreciate that the president understands that we are the global hub for technology, and when San Francisco is strong, our country is strong.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Its capital city, Baku, is a logistical hub and a political bridge linking Central Asia to Europe.

Read more on Barron's

The State Department said that Steve Fagin, a career diplomat, will work alongside US Army Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, the military head already appointed to the hub set up after the October 10 ceasefire.

Read more on Barron's

"These areas are not only important domestically, they're also international manufacturing hubs. If coastal risks happen there, the global supply chain will be vulnerable."

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• nerve center