Cynosure

Cynosure

ˈsīnəˌSHo͝or

Noun

  • A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.

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Example Sentences

“The skilled drum major was the cynosure of the parade.”

“The ABBA song ‘Dancing Queen’ spotlights a teenager as the cynosure of the dance floor.”

“Even though I have GPS now, my father taught me to use the cynosure in the sky as navigation.”

Word Origin

French, late 16th century

Why this word?

The word “cynosure” was originally used in the late 16th century to denote the constellation Ursa Minor (also known as Little Bear or sometimes Little Dipper). The pole star in this constellation was used as a guide by navigators on land and at sea. “Cynosure” developed from the Latin word “cynosura,” which came from the Greek word “kunosoura,” or “dog’s tail,” formed from the words “kun” (“dog”) and “oura” (“tail”).

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Learn a new word Cachinnation

kakɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n