cynosure

[ sahy-nuh-shoor, sin-uh- ]

noun

1. something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc.:

   the cynosure of all eyes.

2. something serving for guidance or direction:

   Gandhi's life remains a cynosure for all of us.

cynosure

/ ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə; -ʃʊə /

noun

1. a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty
2. something that serves as a guide

Derived Forms

• ˌcynoˈsural, adjective

Other Words From

• cyno·sural adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cynosure¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin Cynosūra, from Greek Kynósoura the constellation Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), equivalent to kynós “dog's” (genitive of kýōn ) + ourá “tail”; hound ¹( def ), ass ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of cynosure¹

C16: from Latin Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from cyno- + oura tail

Example Sentences

From these beginnings, the Voice grew into a cynosure of the counterculture.

From Los Angeles Times

This was near the climax of “The Path of Pins or the Path of Needles,” a cynosure of this year’s FringeArts Festival in Philadelphia, which began on Sept. 8 and runs until Oct.

From New York Times

DOM is in a spacious underground room, with a glowing bar done in striated honey onyx as its cynosure.

From New York Times

Brady was fortunate to come along just as the N.F.L. altered multiple playing rules that made the quarterback the cynosure of a pass-happy, high-scoring game with fleet receivers unfettered to dash upfield for long passes.

From New York Times

It’s also possible that the meme stocks will again become the cynosures of online promoters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• figure
• hero
• luminary
• personage
• personality
• someone
• star
• superstar