Posted on 01/29/2009 4:23:25 AM PST by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
cynosure • \SYE-nuh-shur\ • noun
1 : the northern constellation Ursa Minor; also : North Star
2 : one that serves to direct or guide
3 : a center of attraction or attention
Example sentence:
The young actress's natural beauty and graceful charm made her a cynosure wherever she went.
Etymology:
Ancient mariners noted that all the stars in the heavens seem to revolve around a particular star, and they relied on it to guide their navigation. The constellation that this bright star appears in is known to English speakers today as Ursa Minor, or the Little Dipper, but the Ancient Greeks called it Kynosoura, a term that comes from a phrase meaning "dog's tail." "Kynosoura" passed into Latin and Middle French, becoming "cynosure." When English speakers adopted the term in the mid-16th century, they used it as a name for the constellation and the star (which is also known as the North Star) and also to identify a guide of any kind. By the early 17th century, "cynosure" was also being used figuratively for anything or anyone that, like the North Star, was the focus of attention or observation.
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
Rise and shine!
morning
I’ll keep looking to the little dipper because there sure isn’t any cynosure in DC.
I wait in vain for Barney Frank to become the cynosure in a criminal investigation of our recent financial crisis.
Good morning!
At least the republicans present voted correctly yesterday. A for you.
He and the smarmy Chris "Countrywide" Dodd. A for you.
Speaking of "little dippers..."
Obama is more than the leader of the Democrats and liberals, he is a cynosure for all fools in all nations.
Thanks....I needed the smile this morning.
I thought Trastevere played QB for the Browns?
Morning.
that was awesome, wish I could have been there.
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