touchstone
Touchstone (noun) means a dark stone once used to test the purity of gold or silver by rubbing the metal on it and examining the streak left behind. Example: “Jewelers once relied on a touchstone to check the purity of gold.”
How to use touchstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething used as a standard to judge or measure the quality of other things.
Word forms
touchstones plural, Touchstones plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Jewelers once relied on a _____ to check the purity of gold.
Etymology
A compound of touch and stone, from the literal stone used to test metals.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for touchstone
See all rhymes for touchstone →Frequently asked questions
What does “touchstone” mean?
The word “touchstone” means a dark stone once used to test the purity of gold or silver by rubbing the metal on it and examining the streak left behind. In plain terms, something used as a standard to judge or measure the quality of other things.
How do you pronounce “touchstone”?
“Touchstone” is pronounced TUHCHS-tohn (/ˈtʌt͡ʃstəʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “touchstone” in a sentence?
Here is “touchstone” used in a sentence: “Jewelers once relied on a touchstone to check the purity of gold.”
What part of speech is “touchstone”?
“Touchstone” is a noun.
How many meanings does “touchstone” have?
“Touchstone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dark stone once used to test the purity of gold or silver by rubbing the metal on it and examining the streak left behind.