Brewer's: Cynosure

(3 syl.). The polar star; the observed of all observers. Greek for dog's tail, and applied to the constellation called Ursa Minor. As seamen guide their ships by the north star, and observe it well, the word “cynosure” is used for whatever attracts attention, as “The cynosure of neighbouring eyes” (Milton), especially for guidance in some doubtful matter, as—

“Richmond was the cynosure on which all Northern eyes were fixed [in the American war].”

—The Times.

Related Content Allusions Foreign Words and Phrases Latin and Greek Word Elements Names: Their Origins and Meanings Old Testament Names Mythology Ancient Greek Literature & Mythology The Bible (King James version) The Koran (translation by J. M. Rodwell) Shakespeare's Plays Tales from Shakespeare (Charles and Mary Lamb) Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language