lodestone

American  

[lohd-stohn] / ˈloʊdˌstoʊn /

Or loadstone

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.

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lodestone British  

/ 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

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lodestone Scientific  

/ lōd′stōn′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of lodestone

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

Example Sentences

Not everyone will agree that establishing this new moral compact should be our party’s lodestone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

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

From Reuters • May 2, 2023

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

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2022

Lindor’s grand slam in the sixth inning served as the lodestone of the Indians’ 13-inning, roar-from-behind, 9-8 triumph.

From Washington Post • Oct. 6, 2017

The Chevalier returned to the College of St. Jerome and began to compose the message he would send to Lord Roke on the lodestone resonator.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman