This is the 8968th most frequent French word.
charnières
Hinges.
Here, 'charnières' refers to the mechanical hinge components of a door, emphasizing their literal physical usage.
Les charnières de la porte sont usées.
The hinges of the door are worn out.
In this usage, 'charnière' is employed metaphorically to describe a transitional phase or connection between two eras.
Cette période historique est considérée comme une charnière entre le Moyen Âge et la Renaissance.
This historical period is considered a hinge between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The word 'charnière' is used metaphorically again here to signify a pivotal or critical role connecting various elements.