lodestar

[ lohd-stahr ]

noun

1. a star that shows the way.
2. Polaris.
3. something that serves as a guide or on which the attention is fixed.

lodestar

/ ˈləʊdˌstɑː /

noun

1. a star, esp the North Star, used in navigation or astronomy as a point of reference
2. something that serves as a guide or model

lodestar

/ lōd′stär′ /

1. A star, especially Polaris, that is used as a point of reference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

First recorded in 1325–75, lodestar is from Middle English loode sterre. See lode, star

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

C14: literally, guiding star. See lode

Example Sentences

Citizenship and dignity—these are the lodestars of civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race or disability or other human difference.

From Nautilus

Invoking Wilberforce allows conservatives like DeMint to pretend that he, not Calhoun, is their moral lodestar and inspiration.

From The Daily Beast

Every man must have a woman as a lodestar; you are to be that to me.

From Project Gutenberg

"Lodestar" really was a good word for the attraction, I thought, and I would repeat it to the chauffeur.

From Project Gutenberg

The lodestar of his hopes is liberty, his main end the establishment of "a free commonwealth."

From Project Gutenberg

She was immediately spellbound by Franz's music, and he became the lodestar of her dreams.

From Project Gutenberg

What do they say up in the carbonate camp about the Lodestar business?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• design
• ideal
• original
• pattern
• prototype
• symbol
• type