CYNOSURE

cynosure

(noun) something that strongly attracts attention and admiration; “if he was the cynosure of all eyes he didn’t notice”

cynosure

(noun) something that provides guidance (as Polaris guides mariners); “let faith be your cynosure to walk by”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

cynosure (plural cynosures)

(usually capitalized) Ursa Minor or Polaris, the North Star, used as a guide by navigators.

(figuratively) That which serves to guide or direct; a guiding star.

(figuratively) Something that is the center of attention; an object that serves as a focal point of attraction and admiration.

Anagrams

• rounceys

Source: Wiktionary


Cy"no*sure (s"n-shr or sn"-shr; 277), n. Etym: [L. Cynosura theconstellation Cynosure, Gr. Cynic.]

1. The constellation of the Lesser Bear, to which, as containing the polar star, the eyes of mariners and travelers were often directed.

2. That which serves to direct. Southey.

3. Anything to which attention is strongly turned; a center of attraction. Where perhaps some beauty lies, The cynosure of neighboring eyes. Milton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

coffee icon