cynosure

The definition of a cynosure is something or someone who is the center of attention.

(noun)

An example of a cynosure is a beautiful new car displayed at an auto show.

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See cynosure in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. the constellation Ursa Minor or the North Star which is in this constellation
  2. any person or thing that is a center of attention or interest

Origin: L < Gr kynosoura, dog's tail, constellation of Ursa Minor < kyōn (see hound) + oura, tail: see uro-

See cynosure in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cy·no·sure

noun
  1. An object that serves as a focal point of attention and admiration.
  2. Something that serves to guide.

Origin: French, Ursa Minor (which contains the guiding star Polaris), from Latin cynosūra, from Greek kunosoura, dog's tail, Ursa Minor : kunos, genitive of kuōn, dog; see kwon- in Indo-European roots + ourā, tail; see ors- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

  • cyˌno·surˈal adjective

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