cynosure Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something that provides guidance (as Polaris guides mariners)
    • let faith be your cynosure to walk by
  2. noun something that strongly attracts attention and admiration
    • if he was the cynosure of all eyes he didn't notice

WordNet

Cy"no*sure noun
Etymology
L. Cynosura theconstellation Cynosure, Gr. dog's tail, the constellation Cynosure; , , dog + tail. SeeCynic.
Definitions
  1. The constellation of the Lesser Bear, to which, as containing the polar star, the eyes of mariners and travelers were often directed.
  2. That which serves to direct. Southey.
  3. Anything to which attention is strongly turned; a center of attraction.
    Where perhaps some beauty lies, The cynosure of neighboring eyes. Milton.

Webster 1913