LATIN DICTIONARYLexicon Latīnum
noun · neutersecond declension

centrum

centrum n (genitive centrī)
Classical[ˈkɛn.trũː]Ecclesiastical[ˈt͡ʃɛn.trum]

Meaning

  1. neutercenter

Declension

declension
formsingularplural
nominativecentrumcentra
genitivecentrīcentrōrum
dativecentrōcentrīs
accusativecentrumcentra
ablativecentrōcentrīs
vocativecentrumcentra

centrum, i, n., = κέντρον (a prickle, sharp point).
I. Centrum circini, the stationary foot of the compasses, around which the other is carried in making a circle, Vitr. 3, 1; 9, 5.—Hence,
II. Meton.
A. The middle point of a circle, the centre, Vitr. 3, 1; 9, 1; Plin. 2, 15, 13, § 63; 2, 19, 17, § 81 et saep.—In plur.: solis terraeque centra, Plin. 18, 29, 69, § 281 (in Cic. Tusc. 1, 17, 40, used as a Greek word).—
B. A kernel, a hard knot in the interior of wood, precious stones, etc., Plin. 16, 39, 76, § 198; 37, 2, 10, § 28; 37, 9, 39, § 120 al.

Origins

From Ancient Greek κέντρον (kéntron, “sharp point”).

Descendants
  • Catalancentre
  • Englishcentre
  • Englishcenter
  • Frenchcentre
  • GermanZentrumfrom Middle High German zentrum
  • Italiancentro
  • Sardiniantzentrufrom Italian centro
  • Occitancentre
  • Portuguesecentro
  • Romaniancentru

Quick answers

What does centrum mean in Latin?
centrum, a noun, means “center”.
What is the genitive of centrum?
The genitive singular is centrī. centrum is neuter, second declension.
How do you pronounce centrum?
In classical Latin, [ˈkɛn.trũː]; in ecclesiastical (church) Latin, [ˈt͡ʃɛn.trum].