polar star
Definition
- Proper Noun:
- Polaris, the North Star: "Polar star" is the common name for the star Polaris, which is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). It is located very close to the north celestial pole, meaning it appears almost stationary in the night sky and aligns closely with Earth's rotational axis in the north. For centuries, it has been a crucial navigational marker.
Usage Examples
- Proper Noun:
- Sailors used the polar star to navigate across the open ocean.
- To find the polar star, first locate the Big Dipper and follow the two stars at the end of its bowl.
- The polar star is not the brightest star in the sky, but it is the most important for finding direction.
Advanced Usage
- "to steer by the polar star": To use Polaris as a fixed point for guidance or navigation, either literally or metaphorically.
- The ancient mariners steered by the polar star. (Literal)
- Her strong principles acted as a polar star, guiding all her decisions. (Metaphorical)
Variants and Related Words
- Polaris (n): The official astronomical name for the polar star.
- North Star (n): Another common name for the polar star.
- Lodestar (n): A poetic or literary term for a star used to guide course, especially Polaris; also used metaphorically for a guiding principle.
- Cynosure (n): Literally, a center of attention; derived from a Greek name for Ursa Minor, the constellation containing the polar star.
Synonyms
- Guiding star: A star used for navigation; often refers to Polaris.
- Fixed point: A stable reference point (in navigation or metaphorically).
Related Idioms
- (As) constant as the northern star: An idiom (from Shakespeare's ) meaning extremely steady, reliable, and unchanging.
- His loyalty to his friends was as constant as the northern star.
Noun
-
the brightest star in Ursa Minor; at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper; the northern axis of the earth points toward it
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