touchstone
/ˈtʌt͡ʃstəʊn/
touchstone
English
Noun Top 49,928
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Definition
A stone used to verify the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them in order to leave a visible trace.
Etymology
From touch + stone.
Example Sentences
- "Near-synonym: comparator"
- "The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits."
- ""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."
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