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lodestone


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A piece of magnetite or other naturally magnetized mineral, able to be used as a magnet. Recorded from the early 16th century, the word means literally ‘way-stone’, from the use of the magnet in guiding mariners.

Subjects: History

Related content in Oxford Reference

Reference entries
lodestone
in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2) Length: 37 words
lodestone
in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2) Length: 115 words

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