cynosural

cy·no·sure

[sahy-nuh-shoor, sin-uh-]
noun
1.
something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc.: the cynosure of all eyes.
2.
something serving for guidance or direction.

Origin:
1590–1600; < Latin Cynosūra < Greek Kynósoura the constellation Ursa Minor, equivalent to kynós dog's (genitive of kýōn) + ourá tail

cy·no·sur·al, adjective

cynosure, sinecure.
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World English Dictionary
cynosure (ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə, -ʃʊə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty
2.  something that serves as a guide
 
[C16: from Latin Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from cyno- + oura tail]
 
cyno'sural
 
adj

00:10
Cynosural is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
cynosure (ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə, -ʃʊə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty
2.  something that serves as a guide
 
[C16: from Latin Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from cyno- + oura tail]
 
cyno'sural
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

cynosure
1590s, from M.Fr. cynosure, from L. Cynosura, lit. "dog's tail," the constellation (now Ursa Minor) containing the North Star, the focus of navigation, from Gk. kynosoura, lit. "dog's tail."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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