cynosure

== English == === 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”). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈsɪnəzjʊə/, /-sjʊə/, /-ʃʊə/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈsaɪnəʃʊɹ/, /ˈsɪn-/, /-ʃɚ/ === Noun === cynosure (plural cynosures) Alternative letter-case form of Cynosure: Ursa Minor or Polaris, the North Star, used as a guide by navigators. (figuratively) That which serves to guide or direct; a guiding star. (figuratively) Something that is the center of attention; an object that serves as a focal point of attraction and admiration. ==== Quotations ==== For quotations using this term, see Citations:cynosure. ==== Derived terms ==== cynosural ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === Cynosure in the Encyclopædia Britannica (11th edition, 1911) === Anagrams === rounceys