lodestone

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a naturally magnetized piece of magnetite capable of attracting iron

   Early navigators magnetized compass needles by rubbing them against lodestone.

2. 2
   noun

   a person, place, idea, or thing that powerfully attracts attention or loyalty

   The old theater became a lodestone for young artists.

Simplified etymology

Lodestone, recorded from the early 16th century, combines lode with stone and denotes a naturally magnetic rock. Its first element was originally a spelling variant of load.

From Middle English lode ("way, course, guide") + stone. Because naturally magnetic stones could guide a compass needle, lodestone became a name for magnetized magnetite and later a metaphor for anything with strong attractive power.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary