LODESTAR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does lodestar mean? 

• LODESTAR (noun)
  The noun LODESTAR has 2 senses:

1. guiding star; a star that is used as a reference point in navigation or astronomy

2. something that serves as a model or guide

  Familiarity information: LODESTAR used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LODESTAR (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Guiding star; a star that is used as a reference point in navigation or astronomy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Synonyms:

loadstar; lodestar

Hypernyms ("lodestar" is a kind of...):

star ((astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior)

Instance hyponyms:

North Star; polar star; Polaris; pole star; polestar (the brightest star in Ursa Minor; at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper; the northern axis of the earth points toward it)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something that serves as a model or guide

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

loadstar; lodestar

Hypernyms ("lodestar" is a kind of...):

example; model (a representative form or pattern)