Word of the Day : April 16, 2021

lodestone \LOHD-stohn\ noun

Definition

1 : magnetite possessing polarity

2 : something that strongly attracts

Did You Know?

Lodestone is made up of distinctly English components, ones that have been part of our language since before the 12th century. Lode comes from the Old English lād, which means "way, journey, course." The word stone derives from the Old English stān, which had the same meaning as the modern term stone. When the two ancient words were combined to form lodestone in the early 16th century, the new term referred to magnetite, a magnetic iron ore. Just as a new business district might be a magnet for entrepreneurs, or a poor soul a magnet for bad luck, lodestone sees similar figurative use describing things with a seeming power to attract.

Aired April 16, 2021

All Merriam-Webster content is available at www.merriam-webster.com