fulcrum
/ˈfʌlkrəm/noun
(pl. fulcra /ˈfʌlkrə/ 或fulcrums)
1- the point against which a lever is placed to get a purchase, or on which it turns or is supported（杠杆的）支点; 支轴。
1.1
- a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation支柱, 支持物：
research is the fulcrum of the academic community.
研究工作是学术界的支柱。
词源
late 17th cent. （originally in the general sense 'a prop or support'）： from Latin, literally 'post of a couch', from fulcire 'to prop up'.