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.

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.

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