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

As the pairs gradually dropped out, Haggard and his partner became the cynosure of every eye.

From Project Gutenberg

The cynosure of the inner circle is personal piety, combined with a “penny a week and a shilling a quarter.”

From Project Gutenberg

No one else could sit at such perfect ease, the cynosure of so many eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

This, naturally, greatly increased our comfort, since we became at once the cynosure (as the learned would say) of every eye.

From Project Gutenberg

They were the cynosure of the entire room as they went up the carpeted steps of the dais and knelt before the king.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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