Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

touchstone

noun
/ˈtʌʧˌstoʊn/
Definition
A standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized.
Examples
  • The artist used the classic painting as a touchstone to evaluate her own work.
  • Trust is the touchstone of a successful partnership.
Meaning
In a broader sense, a touchstone can refer to a means of testing the quality or authenticity of something.
Synonyms
  • standard
  • benchmark
  • test
  • criterion