cynosure
SY-nuh-shoor, noun
The center of attention; a guiding focal point.
“The bride’s dog, not the bride, was the cynosure of the reception.”
Where cynosure comes from
Greek for dog’s tail, the old name for the stars sailors steered by.
Difficulty: expert. One of 440 entries written and checked by hand.
Hapax puts one word like this on your Lock Screen every morning, with its pronunciation, definition and an example. No ads, no account.
More expert words
- grandiloquent Pompous or extravagant in language or style, meant to impress.
- insouciant Showing a casual lack of concern; cheerfully unconcerned.
- obstreperous Noisy, unruly, and difficult to control.
- perspicacious Having keen insight and sharp understanding.
- concomitant Occurring together with something else.
- crepuscular Relating to twilight; active at dusk.
- desultory Lacking plan or enthusiasm; aimless.
- exigent Urgent; demanding immediate attention.
Nearby: cynical dainty All 440 words More word origins