central central /ˈsɛntrəl/

adjective

1. () Serving as an essential component  ( primal , cardinal , key , central , fundamental )
   serving as an essential component
    A cardinal rule
   a cardinal rule
    The central cause of the problem
   the central cause of the problem
    An example that was fundamental to the argument
   an example that was fundamental to the argument
    Computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure
   computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure
   
2. () In or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area  ( central )
   in or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area
    A central position
   a central position
   

noun

1. A workplace that serves as a telecommunications facility where lines from telephones can be connected together to permit communication  ( central , telephone exchange , exchange )
   a workplace that serves as a telecommunications facility where lines from telephones can be connected together to permit communication
    She works at the exchange, managing phone connections for businesses.
   She works at the exchange, managing phone connections for businesses.