Definition of cynosure

< Cynoscephalae

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cy·no·sure    (sn-shr, sn-) KEY 

NOUN:

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, Ursa Minor (which contains the guiding star Polaris), from Latin cynosra, from Greek kunosoura, dog's tail, Ursa Minor : kunos, genitive of kun, dog; see kwon- in Indo-European roots + our, tail; see ors- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
cyno·sural(Adjective)