Entity: TOUCHSTONE
Touchstone is a black siliceous stone historically used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed by the metal. In a broader sense, it represents a test or criterion for the qualities of a thing.
TOUCHSTONE
Etymology
The term 'touchstone' originates from an actual stone used in the late 15th century to test the purity of gold and silver.
Definition
Touchstone serves as a standard or principle by which judgment is made, acting as a test or criterion for the qualities of something.
Historical Context
Since the early 16th century, touchstone has been used to test the purity of precious metals by the streak they leave on the stone when rubbed.
Cultural Significance
Touchstone symbolizes a measure or benchmark against which the qualities of something are evaluated, reflecting the importance of standards in various contexts.
Related Concepts
Touchstone is related to concepts such as benchmark, criterion, standard, and measure in assessing the qualities or characteristics of something.
See Also
A standard or principle by which judgment is made, serving as a test or criterion for the qualities of something.