noun

crux

kruhks

Crux (noun) means the most important or decisive point of a matter. Example: “The crux of the argument was whether the contract had been broken.”

noun

The most important or decisive point of a matter.

"The crux of the argument was whether the contract had been broken."

A constellation in the southern sky, commonly known as the Southern Cross.

"Crux appears on the flags of Australia and New Zealand."

How to use crux

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe core issue at the heart of a problem or discussion.

Common pairings

the crux of the matter crux of the problem

cruxes plural, cruces plural

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The _____ of the argument was whether the contract had been broken.

From Latin crux, meaning "cross" — the sense shifted from a literal cross to a central, decisive point.

Origin: Latin

crux of the matter

What does “crux” mean?

The word “crux” means the most important or decisive point of a matter. In plain terms, the core issue at the heart of a problem or discussion.

How do you pronounce “crux”?

“Crux” is pronounced kruhks (/kɹʌks/ in IPA).

How do you use “crux” in a sentence?

Here is “crux” used in a sentence: “The crux of the argument was whether the contract had been broken.”

What part of speech is “crux”?

“Crux” is a noun.

Where does the word “crux” come from?

The word “crux” comes from Latin. From Latin crux, meaning "cross" — the sense shifted from a literal cross to a central, decisive point.

How many meanings does “crux” have?

“Crux” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the most important or decisive point of a matter.

Vocabulary lists that include crux: