cynosure

Meaning

Noun

• Ursa Minor or Polaris, the North Star, used as a guide by navigators.
• That which serves to guide or direct; a guiding star.
• Something that is the center of attention; an object that serves as a focal point of attraction and admiration.

Origin

• From French cynosure ("Ursa Minor; Polaris"), from Latin Cynosūra ("Ursa Minor"), from Ancient Greek Κυνόσουρα ("Ursa Minor"), from κύων + οὐρά.