cynosure

Meanings

1. Alternative letter-case form of Cynosure: Ursa Minor or Polaris, the North Star, used as a guide by navigators.
2. That which serves to guide or direct; a guiding star.
3. Something that is the center of attention; an object that serves as a focal point of attraction and admiration.

1. Ursa Minor or Polaris, the North Star, used as a guide by navigators.

Etymology

From Middle French Cynosure (“Ursa Minor; Polaris”), from Latin Cynosūra (“Ursa Minor”), from Ancient Greek Κυνόσουρα (Kunósoura, “Ursa Minor”, literally “dog’s tail”), from κυνός (kunós, “dog's”) + οὐρά (ourá, “tail”).