dead centre

/'ded'sentə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
dead centre

The mechanic checks the piston at dead centre.

Definition

Noun: 1. The precise central point or position: The exact middle point of something. 2. The position of a crank when it is in line with the connecting rod and not exerting torque: In mechanical engineering, the position in the cycle of a reciprocating engine (like in a car) where the piston is at the very top or bottom of its stroke. In this position, the connecting rod and crank are in a straight line, so no turning force (torque) is applied to the crankshaft.

Usage
  • As a noun, "dead centre" is typically used to describe a state of being exactly in the middle or a point of no mechanical advantage.
  • It is often used with prepositions like at, in, or off.
Examples
  • General Usage (Precise Middle):
    • The arrow hit the target at dead centre.
    • Place the statue in the dead centre of the room.
  • Mechanical/Engineering Usage:
    • When the piston is at dead centre, the engine cannot be started by pushing the car.
    • The mechanic adjusted the timing so the spark would fire just after top dead centre.
Advanced Usage
  • "Top dead centre" (TDC): The position of the piston when it is at the very top of its stroke within the cylinder.
    • The compression is highest when the piston reaches top dead centre.
  • "Bottom dead centre" (BDC): The position of the piston when it is at the very bottom of its stroke within the cylinder.
  • "To be at dead centre": To be in a state of complete standstill or inactivity, often metaphorically.
    • The peace talks are at dead centre with no progress.
  • "To move something off dead centre": To get something unstuck or to restart progress in a situation that was completely stalled.
    • A new proposal was needed to move the negotiations off dead centre.
Variants and Related Words
  • Dead center: An alternative spelling, especially in American English.
  • Dead point: A less common synonym, especially in older technical texts.
Synonyms
  • Bullseye (for the target context).
  • Exact center.
  • Midpoint.
  • Standstill (for the metaphorical usage).
Antonyms
  • Off-center.
  • Periphery.
  • Edge.
Related Idioms
  • "Dead in the centre": An emphatic form meaning exactly in the middle.
    • He stood dead in the centre of the stage.
dead centre

The mechanic checks the piston at dead centre.

Noun
  1. the position of a crank when it is in line with the connecting rod and not exerting torque

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống