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Touchstone: meaning, definitions and examples

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touchstone

 

[ ˈtʌtʃˌstoʊn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

standard of quality

A touchstone is a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized. It often refers to a fundamental reference point that can be used to evaluate the quality of something. The term originated from the practice of testing the purity of gold or silver using a black stone, where a mark made by the metal would indicate its quality. In modern usage, it extends to any basis for comparison in various fields, including art, literature, and personal achievement.

Synonyms

benchmark, criteria, paradigm, reference point, standard

Examples of usage

  • The author used classic literature as a touchstone for her new novel.
  • In deciding the winner, the committee referred to a touchstone of creativity and innovation.
  • Trustworthiness is often regarded as a touchstone in professional relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "touchstone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedra de toque

🇮🇳 स्पर्श पत्थर

🇩🇪 Prüfstein

🇮🇩 batu uji

🇺🇦 камінь для випробування

🇵🇱 kamień próbny

🇯🇵 試金石

🇫🇷 pierre de touche

🇪🇸 piedra de toque

🇹🇷 dokunma taşı

🇰🇷 시험석

🇸🇦 حجر الاختبار

🇨🇿 zkušební kámen

🇸🇰 skúšobný kameň

🇨🇳 试金石

🇸🇮 preizkusni kamen

🇮🇸 prófsteinn

🇰🇿 сынақ тас

🇬🇪 ტესტის ქვა

🇦🇿 sınaq daşı

🇲🇽 piedra de toque

Etymology

The word 'touchstone' dates back to the late 14th century, originating from the Old French word 'touche', which means 'to touch' and 'stone' indicating a stone used for testing precious metals. The original physical touchstone was a piece of dark silica used by goldsmiths to determine the quality of gold and silver. By rubbing the metal upon the stone, they could create a mark to compare against known standards, thus establishing the metal's purity. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to represent a broader metaphorical meaning, symbolizing any method or factor that serves as a point of reference or standard against which other things are measured or evaluated.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,521, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.