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, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH cynosure
cynosure sinecureWords nearby cynosure
cyno-,
cynocephaly,
cynodont,
cynophobia,
cynopodous,
cynosure,
cynthia,
cynwulf,
cyo,
cyod,
cyperaceous
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, adjectiveWord Origin for cynosure
C16: from Latin
Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek
Kunosoura, from
cyno- +
oura tail