Touchstone
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈtʌt͡ʃstəʊn/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Touchstone is a noun meaning A stone used to verify the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them in order to leave a visible trace.
Meaning
A stone used to verify the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them in order to leave a visible trace.
More Meanings
- (figurative, by extension) A standard of comparison or evaluation.
Example Sentences
Near-synonym: comparator
The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits.
Brokeback Mountain did take home three Oscars, including a prestigious best director prize for Ang Lee, and remains a beloved gay touchstone.
"Expectation of life" is an elastic term: the touchstone here is rather the aggregate amount of work that the locomotive does during its working life.
Word Forms
- touchstones
Synonyms for touchstone
Depending on context, synonyms include comparator, standard, measure, criterion.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include criterion, standard, measure, bedrock, cornerstone, keystone.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.