dead center

Meanings

1. Synonym of dead point: the position at which a crank is in a direct line with a connecting rod.
2. A nonrevolving center in a lathe.
3. The exact center.

1. Alternative form of dead-center.

1. Alternative form of dead-center.

Etymology

The sense referring to a piston position was originally a variant of earlier dead-point. The adjective carries two of its senses at once in this construction: both "exact" and "without force imparted". As the piston passes through dead center, there is an instant when it is neither being pushed nor being pulled.