cynosure

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

noun

something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc.: the cynosure of all eyes.
something serving for guidance or direction.

Origin of cynosure

1590–1600; < Latin Cynosūra < Greek Kynósoura the constellation Ursa Minor, equivalent to kynós dog's (genitive of kýōn) + ourá tail

OTHER WORDS FROM cynosure

cy·no·sur·al, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH cynosure

cynosure sinecure

Words nearby cynosure

Example sentences from the Web for cynosure

British Dictionary definitions for cynosure

cynosure
/ (ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə, -ʃʊə) /

noun

a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty
something that serves as a guide

Derived forms of cynosure

cynosural, adjective

Word Origin for cynosure

C16: from Latin Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from cyno- + oura tail