lodestone
lodestone · lodestones
Any naturally occurring magnetAny naturally occurring magnet.
US/ˈloʊdˌstoʊn/
» Lodestones are magnetized pieces of magnetite.
Meaning
3 sensesAny naturally occurring magnet.
(broadly)The focus of one's attraction or attention
an ideological lodestone
(obsolete)The mineral magnetite.
More definitions
- a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically
Examples
3 sentencesLodestones are magnetized pieces of magnetite.
A lodestone contains iron.
Lodestones are naturally occurring magnets.
Translations
2 languagesOrigin
First attested from 1515, from Middle English lode (“guide”) + stone. From use as a guideFirst attested from 1515, from Middle English lode (“guide”) + stone. From use as a guide tool by mariners. See also: lodestar.
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