Lodestone

Pronunciation: /ˈloʊdˌstoʊn/

Definitions of lodestone

noun a naturally magnetized mineral, often a form of magnetite, that attracts iron and other metals

Example Sentences

A1 A lodestone is a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite.

A2 Sailors in ancient times used lodestones to navigate by the Earth's magnetic field.

B1 Miners use lodestones to detect the presence of iron ore in the ground.

B2 The concept of lodestones played a significant role in the development of early compasses.

C1 Scientists study lodestones to better understand the Earth's magnetic field and its fluctuations.

C2 The properties of lodestones have been extensively researched and applied in various technological innovations.

Examples of lodestone in a Sentence

formal The lodestone is a naturally occurring mineral that attracts iron and other ferromagnetic materials.

informal I found a cool lodestone while hiking in the mountains.

slang That lodestone is like a magnet for good luck.

figurative Her smile was like a lodestone, drawing everyone towards her.

Grammatical Forms of lodestone

• past tense: lodestoned
• plural: lodestones
• comparative: more lodestone
• superlative: most lodestone
• present tense: lodestones
• future tense: will lodestone
• perfect tense: have lodestoned
• continuous tense: is lodestoning
• singular: lodestone
• positive degree: lodestone
• infinitive: to lodestone
• gerund: lodestoning
• participle: lodestoning

Origin and Evolution of lodestone

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'lodestone' comes from Middle English 'lode' (leading) + 'stone' (rock), referring to a rock that attracts iron.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'lodestone' has come to be used more broadly to refer to any naturally magnetized mineral or rock, not just specifically to rocks that attract iron.