pole star
A "pole star" is a star near a celestial pole, crucial for navigation due to its relatively fixed position in the sky.
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Definition
B2Astronomy
(technical, academic)A star located near a celestial pole, appearing almost stationary in the sky while other stars rotate around it.
Example
- Polaris is the current pole star in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Ancient sailors used the pole star to navigate the seas.
B2Navigation
(technical)A star used as a reference point for determining direction and latitude, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
Example
- The pole star helps navigators find true north.
- By locating the pole star, one can estimate their latitude.
C1Figurative
(figurative)A person, principle, or thing that serves as a guiding light or focal point.
Example
- She became the pole star of the movement, guiding others with her vision.
- The company's mission statement serves as a pole star for its employees.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pole star":
guiding starnorth polestar polygonpolar axistrue northstar framestar chartevening starfrozen star