fulcrum
mechanics
Quick Summary
A fulcrum is the support about which a lever turns. In mechanics, a lever is a bar or board that rests on a fulcrum. A downward force on one end of the lever can be transferred and increased at the other end, allowing a small force to lift a heavy weight. The word "fulcrum" comes from the Latin word for "bedpost" and has been used since the 17th century to describe a support for a lever or similar device.12
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