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

Related Words

• bottom line
• core
• essence
• gist
• nub