touchstone (Meaning)
touchstone (n)
a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
touchstone (n.)
Lydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stone when it is rubbed by the metal. See Basanite.
Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried.
Synonyms & Antonyms of touchstone
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FAQs About the word touchstone
a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluatedLydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test the purity of gol
standard, benchmark,criterion, gold standard, instance, barometer, yardstick, rule,measure, metric
deviation, deviation, abnormality, aberration,abnormality, aberration,
The ancient Greek philosopher Plato used the term "touchstone" to refer to an infallible standard.
In the play "Romeo and Juliet," the apothecary serves as a touchstone, highlighting the darker aspects of the romance.
The ability to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit gold made the touchstone an invaluable tool for ancient merchants.
The philosopher Immanuel Kant viewed reason as the ultimate touchstone for human morality.
