[hʌb], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle, and from which the spokes radiate

- the effective centre of an activity, region, or network
(e.g: the city has always been the financial hub of the country)


Phrases:
- hub-and-spoke

Origin:
early 16th century (denoting a shelf at the side of a fireplace used for heating pans): of unknown origin (compare with hob)