crux

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the decisive or most important point at issue

   The crux of the matter is whether we can afford it.

Simplified etymology

Crux was borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin crux, “cross,” especially a cross used for crucifixion. The same Latin word lies behind cross, crucial, and excruciating.

From Latin 'crux' ('cross'); the modern sense 'central difficulty or key point' arose from 'crux interpretum', a textual puzzle that 'crosses' or torments interpreters.

Topics

External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary