noun
1. archaic : comet 1
2. archaic : one that is a center of attraction : cynosure
3. : any of several plants with showy inflorescence: as
a. : a plant of the genus Liatris
b. : a plant of the genus Chamaelirium
c. : a colicroot ( Aletris farinosa )
d. : tritonia 2
e. : a plant of the genus Mentzelia ; especially : a yellow-flowered biennial herb ( M. laevicaulis ) of California