1. a piece of magnetite or other naturally magnetic mineral
Usage: also spelled lodestone
2. something that strongly attracts
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Ancient sailors used a loadstone as a primitive compass.
• The museum displayed a large loadstone that could pick up iron filings.
• Magnetite is the most common type of loadstone found in nature.
• The city became a loadstone for young artists seeking opportunity.
• Her charisma made her a loadstone for admirers.
• The loadstone’s magnetic properties were discovered thousands of years ago.