fulcrum

n.; pl. L. Fulcra E. Fulcrums [ L., bedpost, fr. fulcire to prop. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A prop or support. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mech.) That by which a lever is sustained, or about which it turns in lifting or moving a body. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Bot.) An accessory organ such as a tendril, stipule, spine, and the like. [ R. ] Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Zool.) (a) The horny inferior surface of the lingua of certain insects. (b) One of the small, spiniform scales found on the front edge of the dorsal and caudal fins of many ganoid fishes. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Anat.) The connective tissue supporting the framework of the retina of the eye. [ 1913 Webster ]