polestar
polestar Lexical Profile
polestar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A visible star, specifically Polaris (the North Star) in the northern hemisphere, that is closely aligned with the axis of rotation of an astronomical body and serves as a reference point for navigation.
"For centuries, sailors crossing the open ocean relied on the polestar to determine their latitude and maintain their course at night."
A directing principle, standard, or ideal that serves as a constant guide or center of attraction.
"Scientific integrity remained the researcher's polestar throughout the decade-long clinical trial."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-16th century as a compound of 'pole' (from Latin 'polus', meaning the end of an axis) and 'star' (from Old English 'steorra'), originally referring to Polaris as the fixed celestial point used by mariners for navigation.