touchstone

1. 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. Source: opted

2. n. Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried. Source: opted

3. n. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated Source: wordnet

4. 1. (Min.) 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. 2. Fig.: Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried. Hooker. The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits. South. Irish touchstone (Min.), basalt, the stone which composes the Giant's Causeway. Source: webster

5. Lydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test thepurity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stonewhen it is rubbed by the metal. See Basanite. Source: adambom

6. n:100 n a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated Source: ecdict

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