crux

¹

[ kruhks ]

noun

, plural crux·es, cru·ces [kroo, -seez].

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 Cru·cis [kroo, -sis].

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

But fundamentally, the crux of the problem persists.

From Salon

“The crux of this challenge is keeping people at younger stages engaged and feeling like they’re part of something bigger, and that they’re getting that knowledge-sharing and mentorship they need to really further their career,” Whelan said.

From Los Angeles Times

The argument that Biden’s “welcoming immigration policies” have triggered a border crisis, though, is the crux of Leonhardt’s piece.

From Slate

Once again, McBurney cited bad timing as the crux of his reasoning.

From Salon

“Encuentros” is a vulnerable, unrelenting and unfiltered compilation at the crux of heartache and healing that Becky G has experienced this past year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bottom line
• core
• essence
• gist
• nub