Center of devotion. Brewer (54) says the term derives from the name of the North Star. Cameron (66) explains that cynosure is the Greek word for "dog's tail," which was the ancient name for the constellation Ursa Minor, or the Little Dipper. As you may recall, the end of the Little Dipper's handle is the North Star.
Pronunciation:
SIGN-oh-sure or SIN-oh-sure
Context:
the very cynosure of our eyes and hearts
Opera:
Act:
Act I