Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific celestial object: The Pole Star 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, with other stars seeming to rotate around it. This makes it a crucial navigational marker for finding true north.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • For centuries, sailors have used the Pole Star to guide their ships across the oceans.
  • If you can find the Big Dipper, you can use it to locate the Pole Star.
  • The Pole Star's position relative to the horizon indicates the observer's latitude.

Advanced Usage

• "the Pole Star of" (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe a guiding principle, a steadfast point of reference, or a central figure that provides direction.
  • Her unwavering integrity was the Pole Star of the entire organization.
  • The constitution serves as the Pole Star for our legal system.

Variants and Related Words

• Polaris: This is the modern, official name for the Pole Star.
  • Polaris is a triple star system.
• North Star: A common synonym for the Pole Star.
  • Follow the North Star to find your way.
• Lodestar: A literary term meaning a star used for navigation, often specifically the Pole Star, or a guiding principle.
  • The idea of justice was his lodestar.

Synonyms

• Guiding star: A star used to guide one's course; often used figuratively.
• Cynosure: A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration. In its original astronomical sense, it referred to the constellation containing the Pole Star (Ursa Minor).

Related Phrases

• "To steer by the Pole Star": Literally, to navigate using the star. Figuratively, to be guided by a fixed principle or ideal.
  • Throughout the political turmoil, he steered by the Pole Star of democratic values.

Related Idioms

• (As) constant as the Pole Star: Used to describe something or someone that is extremely reliable and unchanging.
  • Her loyalty to her friends was as constant as the Pole Star.

Noun

1. 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