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!
I expect that to happen around 2079.
My cynosure lives outside of Waco, Texas, and says unkind things about H.R.C. and Obama (peace be upon him.)
It used to be the sino-soviet bloc was our nemesis.
Now it seems that it is the cynosure bloc of self-assured but self-deluded politicians who are leading us astray.
Rush has been vindicated!
There’s your New World Order. A for you.
We miss him more each day. A+ for you.
Excellent turnout for the turncoat. A+ for you.
This is going to be interesting, especially where property is involved. Our priest has said the Vatican has a huge cadre of lawyers at their disposal, more than any other denomination.
Spinal injuries are never good.
Hi Gabz. How’s your weather today? Ours is just cold, no precipitation. I’m waiting for the call from clinic for me to come pick up little bit. She wanted to go to school today to see if her friends decorated her locker but she had a headache and stomach ache. You don’t think that’s from staying up too late and then having birthday cake for breakfast do you? Naaa, me neither...
Regretfully, I have to give you an A+. I also want to send out an A+ to the House Republicans who stood firm on yesterday’s big govt. package.
Ah, Waco. Birthplace of Steve Martin. A for you.
A for you!
The elevation of Obama to cynosure is a sign o’ sure decline for our once-great nation.
Poor lit bit :)
It’s cold here, too, but the sun is shining and it looks so deceiving, especially since it was over 60 yesterday.
Especially when he backs sin so sure as the FOCA. A for you.
I don’t mind the cold as long as the sun is out. When it’s gray and overcast, it feels worse. I am ready for spring!
But 41 was funnier.
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