1. the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots
Usage: physics; mechanics
2. something that serves as a support or point of rest
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The crowbar needs a fulcrum to lift the heavy rock.
• Place a small block under the board to serve as a fulcrum.
• The seesaw balanced perfectly on its fulcrum.
• Education became the fulcrum of their reform efforts.
• The treaty served as the fulcrum for peace negotiations.
• Without a proper fulcrum, the lever won’t work effectively.