(n) a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically, Syn. loadstone
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ , n. [ Load, lode + star. See Lode. ] 1. A star that leads; a guiding star; esp., the polestar, Polaris; also, the constellation containing the pole star, the cynosure (Ursa Minor). Chaucer. “ Your eyes are lodestars.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
The pilot can no loadstar see. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Something that serves as a guide or provides direction; a cynosure{ 2 }. [ PJC ]
3. Something that attracts attention or on which the atention is fixed; a cynosure{ 3 }. [ PJC ]
{ , n. [ Load, lode + stone. ] (Min.) A piece of magnetite, a magnetic iron ore, possessing polarity like a magnetic needle, having the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically. See Magnetite. [ 1913 Webster ]