caposaldo

cornerstone; stronghold; linchpin

noun kah-poh-SAHL-doh Rare

Origin: Compound of capo (head) + saldo (firm, stable), originally a military term for a fortified position.

Usage Note

Caposaldo originally denoted a military strongpoint or benchmark in topography. Figuratively it has become very common meaning a fundamental principle or cornerstone: un caposaldo della democrazia. The plural is capisaldi (irregular, with the first element pluralised).

Examples

"La libertà di stampa è un caposaldo della democrazia."

Natural Translation

Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy.

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