lodestone
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
First attested from 1515, from Middle English lode (“guide”) + stone. From use as a guide tool by mariners. See also: lodestar.
Pronunciation
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈloʊdˌstoʊn/
Audio (US): (file)
Noun
lodestone (plural lodestones)
- (obsolete) The mineral magnetite.
- Any naturally occurring magnet.
- (by extension) The focus of one's attraction or attention
- an ideological lodestone
Translations
natural magnet
|
magnetite
Further reading
- David Barthelmy (1997–2025) “Lodestone”, in Webmineral Mineralogy Database.
- “lodestone”, in Mindat.org[1], Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, 2000–2025.