centering

Pluralcenterings (some meanings)

1. 1
   move to middleverb

   Present participle and gerund of center.

   The designer keeps centering the logo until it looks balanced.

   Centering the wheel carefully prevents the clay from wobbling.

   Note

   The -ing form does two jobs. It builds progressives (she is centering the image), and it acts as a verbal noun that still takes an object (centering the wheel takes patience). In the 'pay close attention' meaning it is intransitive and wants on: a debate centering on cost. The same spelling is also a countable noun with the plural centerings, naming the arch-building formwork. The gerund never takes that plural.

2. 2
   move to middlenoununcountable

   The process of moving something to the center, usually carried out before another process begins.

   Centering of the workpiece must be precise before any cutting begins.

   The machinist completed the centering before mounting the tool.

   Similaralignment

3. 3
   arch supportnouncountable

   A temporary structural framework that supports an arch or bridge during construction, removed once the structure can stand on its own.

   Like scaffolding inside an arch that holds the shape until the stones can support themselves, then comes down.

   The masons dismantled the centering after the keystone locked the arch together.

   A sturdy centering held the curve of the bridge while the concrete cured.

   Note

   A builder's word for an object, not an action: it takes an article and a plural, so a long bridge may call for several centerings. The frame holds the voussoirs of an arch until the keystone is set. Then the centering is struck, the trade's verb for taking it down. Keep it apart from the process of centering, which names an operation and is chiefly uncountable.

Showing meanings only. Show all 3