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”).