hub

[ huhb ]

noun

1. the central part of a wheel, as that part into which the spokes are inserted.
2. the central part or axle end from which blades or spokelike parts radiate on various devices, as on a fan or propeller.
3. a center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate; a focus of activity, authority, commerce, transportation, etc.:

   Chicago is a railroad hub.

   Synonyms: heart, pivot, core

4. the Hub, Boston, Massachusetts (used as a nickname).
5. the peg or hob used as a target in quoits and similar games.
6. any one of the holes in an electrical panel, into which connections may be plugged.
7. Computers. a device connecting others in a network and enabling communication among them by receiving data packets from any of the devices and broadcasting them to every device on the network irrespective of the intended destination: used primarily in small local area networks. Compare switch ( def 6a ).
8. Coining. a design of hardened steel in relief, used as a punch in making a die.
9. Surveying. a stake bearing a tack used to mark a theodolite position.
10. Metalworking. a die forced into a metal blank.

verb (used with object)

, hubbed, hub·bing.

1. Metalworking. to stamp (a metal blank) with a hub.

hub

/ hʌb /

noun

1. the central portion of a wheel, propeller, fan, etc, through which the axle passes
2. the focal point
3. computing a device for connecting computers in a network

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of hob ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hub¹

C17: probably variant of hob ¹

Related Words

• nerve center