noun
cynosure
SIGH-nuh-shoor/ˈsaɪnəʃʊr/
A person or thing that attracts attention or admiration.
The red vase is the cynosure of the gallery visitors' admiring attention.
Etymology
The 'dog's tail' named the constellation now called Ursa Minor, which apparently served as a rough guide to celestial north. That navigational focus became a figurative focus of attention or admiration.
In context
Welcome to our city, mirror, beacon, star and cynosure of all night knight-errantry in its widest extent! Welcome, I say, valiant Don Quixote of La Mancha
More examples
- In her red gown, Maya becomes the cynosure of the party.
- The rare manuscript remains the cynosure of the museum's collection.
- For one evening, the small theater becomes the town's cynosure.
Forms
cynosure · cynosures