touchstone

/'tʌtʃstoun/
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touchstone

The new policy became the touchstone for ethical business practices.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized: A "touchstone" is a fundamental test or principle used to evaluate the quality, genuineness, or value of something else. It serves as a reliable point of reference.
    • A black stone formerly used to test the purity of gold or silver by the streak left on it when rubbed with the metal: This is the original, literal meaning from which the figurative sense developed.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In this field, peer-reviewed publication is the touchstone for academic credibility.
    • For many, the Constitution remains the touchstone of democratic principles.
    • Historically, a touchstone was used by jewelers to assess the purity of precious metals.
Advanced Usage
  • "to serve as a touchstone for": to function as the defining standard for something.
    • Her groundbreaking research has served as a touchstone for all subsequent studies in the field.
  • "touchstone issue": a key issue that tests the principles or policies of a person or group.
    • Civil liberties are often a touchstone issue for that political party.
Variants and Related Words
  • Benchmark (n): A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared.
  • Criterion (n): A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
  • Yardstick (n): A standard used for comparison.
  • Paragon (n): A model of excellence or perfection, often used as a touchstone.
Synonyms
  • Standard
  • Measure
  • Gauge
  • Test
  • Norm
Related Phrases
  • Litmus test: A decisive test to establish the true character of something (more specific and often chemical in origin, but used figuratively like "touchstone").
    • Voting records on environmental bills are a litmus test for many green voters.
Idioms
  • The touchstone of (something): The essential feature or quality that defines something.
    • Integrity is the touchstone of a good leader.
touchstone

The new policy became the touchstone for ethical business practices.

Noun
  1. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
    • the schools comply with federal standards
    • they set the measure for all subsequent work

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