lodestone
|lode-stone|
🇺🇸
/ˈloʊdˌstoʊn/
🇬🇧
/ˈləʊdˌstəʊn/
magnetic attraction
Etymology
'lodestone' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'lode,' meaning 'way' or 'course,' and 'stone,' referring to the mineral.
'lode' combined with 'stone' in Middle English to form 'lodestone,' referring to a guiding stone.
Initially, it meant 'a guiding stone,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a naturally magnetized mineral.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite, attracting iron or steel.
The ancient sailors used a lodestone to navigate the seas.
Synonyms
Noun 2
something that strongly attracts or guides.
The city became a lodestone for artists and musicians.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/06/17 18:28