cynosure

American  

[sahy-nuh-shoor, sin-uh-] / ˈsaɪ nəˌʃʊər, ˈsɪn ə- /

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.

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cynosure British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cynosural
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cynosure

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”; see origin at hound ¹ ( def. ), ass ² ( def. )

Explanation

A cynosure is the main attraction. A figure skater on the ice is the cynosure, or focal point, of a stadium as she triple-axels through the air. All eyes are on her with admiration, hoping that she'll land it. Cynosure, pronounced sy-na-shoor, comes from the Greek word kynosoura, or "dog's tail." In Latin Cynosura refers to the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the North Star. Unlike other stars, the North Star is a fixed point, used by sailors to orient themselves for centuries. Like a bride who attracts the attention of everyone at a wedding as she comes down the aisle, the North Star is the cynosure for travelers lost in the forest without a map.

Related Words

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