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touchstone

[tuhch-stohn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a test or criterion for the qualities of a thing.
Synonyms: , , ,
a black siliceous stone formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the color of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal.

touchstone

/ ˈ��ʌ��ʃˌ��əʊ�� /

noun

a criterion or standard by which judgment is made
a hard dark siliceous stone, such as basalt or jasper, that is used to test the quality of gold and silver from the colour of the streak they produce on it

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Word History and Origins

Origin of touchstone¹

First recorded in 1475–85; touch + stone

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They cite the book “Joyful Militancy: Building Thriving Resistance in Toxic Times,” by Carla Bergman and Nick Montgomery, as a useful touchstone.

From

Trump has put many things on his chopping block of late, including our system of checks and balances, civil rights, the economy and far too many cultural touchstones.

From

It became, like it or not, a cultural touchstone for what was going on in the country.

From

And over time, “Big Night’s” timpano grew into something larger: a pop culture touchstone, a Tucci family legend, a viral recipe.

From

The project formed the basis of dozens of publications, and has remained a touchstone for psychiatrists ever since.

From

Related Words

barometer��
criterion��

touch-sensitive touch system

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