cynosure

Sep. 8th, 2005 07:09 am
prettygoodword: text: words are sexy (Default)
[personal profile] prettygoodword
cynosure - n., the constellation of Ursa Minor, which contains the North Star, also, the North Star itself; something that guides or directs; that which is the center of attention or admiration.


From Greek kynosoura, the dog's tail, another name for Ursa Minor -- one which didn't enter mythology. A neat chain of metaphoric extensions.

ETA: Not to be confused with sinecure.

---L.

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