lodestone

or load·stone

[ lohd-stohn ]

noun

1. a variety of magnetite that possesses magnetic polarity and attracts iron.
2. a piece of this serving as a magnet.
3. something that attracts strongly.

lodestone

/ ˈləʊdˌstəʊn /

noun

1. 1. a rock that consists of pure or nearly pure magnetite and thus is naturally magnetic
   2. a piece of such rock, which can be used as a magnet and which was formerly used as a primitive compass
2. a person or thing regarded as a focus of attraction

lodestone

/ lōd′stōn′ /

1. A piece of the mineral magnetite that acts like a magnet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestone¹

1505–15; lode (in obsolete sense “way, course”) + stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestone¹

C16: literally: guiding stone

Example Sentences

Putting R-Star into practice as a lodestone for policy has never been easy.

From Reuters

Provincial leaders throughout November declared their commitment to “zero Covid,” often citing Mr. Xi as their lodestone.

From New York Times

“The lodestone in American politics right now … is the Hispanic vote,” Reed said.

From Washington Post

In fact, power proved to be his lodestone.

From Seattle Times

But in the mid-1980s, a band of booksellers moved into the empty barns and transformed the place into a literary lodestone.

From Washington Post