1. The constellation of the Lesser Bear, to which, as containing the polar star, the eyes of mariners and
travelers were often directed.
2. That which serves to direct. Southey.
3. Anything to which attention is strongly turned; a center of attraction.
Where perhaps some beauty lies,
The cynosure of neighboring eyes.
Milton.
Cyon
(Cy"on) n. See Cion, and Scion.
Cyperaceous
(Cyp`er*a"ceous) a. (Bot.) Of, pertaining to, or resembling, a large family of plants of
which the sedge is the type.
Cyperus
(Cyp"e*rus) n. [NL., from Gr. sedge.] (Bot.) A large genus of plants belonging to the Sedge
family, and including the species called galingale, several bulrushes, and the Egyptian papyrus.
Cypher
(Cy"pher) n. & v. See Cipher.
Cyphonautes
(||Cyph`o*nau"tes) n. [NL., fr. Gr. bent + sailor.] (Zoöl.) The free-swimming, bivalve larva
of certain Bryozoa.
Cyphonism
(Cyph"o*nism) n. [Gr. fr. a crooked piece of wood, a sort of pillory, fr. bent, stooping.] A
punishment sometimes used by the ancients, consisting in the besmearing of the criminal with honey,
and exposing him to insects. It is still in use among some Oriental nations.
Cypræa
(||Cy*præ"a) n. [NL.; cf. Gr. a name of Venus.] (Zoöl.) A genus of mollusks, including the cowries.
See Cowrie.
Cypres
(Cy`pres") n. [OF., nearly.] (Law) A rule for construing written instruments so as to conform as
nearly to the intention of the parties as is consistent with law. Mozley & W.
Cypress
(Cy"press) n.; pl. Cypresses [OE. cipres, cipresse, OF. cipres, F. cyprs, L. cupressus,
cyparissus (cf. the usual Lat. form cupressus), fr. Gr. perh. of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. gpher, Gen.
vi. 14.] (Bot) A coniferous tree of the genus Cupressus. The species are mostly evergreen, and have
wood remarkable for its durability.
Among the trees called cypress are the common Oriental cypress, Cupressus sempervirens, the evergreen
American cypress, C. thyoides (now called Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea), and the deciduous American
cypress, Taxodium distichum. As having anciently been used at funerals, and to adorn tombs, the Oriental
species is an emblem of mourning and sadness.
Cypress vine (Bot.), a climbing plant with red or white flowers (Ipotœa Quamoclit, formerly Quamoclit
vulgaris).
Cyprian
(Cyp"ri*an) a. [L. Cyprius, fr. Cyprus, Gr. an island in the Mediterranean, renowned for the
worship of Venus.]
1. Belonging to Cyprus.
2. Of, pertaining, or conducing to, lewdness.
Cyprian
(Cyp"ri*an), n.
1. A native or inhabitant of Cyprus, especially of ancient Cyprus; a Cypriot.
2. A lewd woman; a harlot.
