loadstone

/ˈloʊdˌstoʊn/
noun
  1. A piece of magnetic rock that attracts iron; a natural magnet.
    • Ancient mariners used a loadstone to magnetize their compass needles.
    • The loadstone was discovered in a mine and could pick up small iron nails.
    • Scientists studied the loadstone to understand the properties of magnetism.
  2. Something that attracts strongly; a magnet for people or things.
    • The city's job market acts as a loadstone for young professionals.
    • The new museum is a loadstone for tourists from around the world.
    • Her charisma was a loadstone that drew everyone into her circle.
What does "loadstone" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean