point   (point)    n.   A sharp or tapered end: the point of a knife; the point of the antenna. An object having a sharp or tapered end: a stone projectile point. A tapering extension of land projecting into water; a peninsula, cape, or promontory. A mark formed by or as if by a sharp end. A mark or dot used in printing or writing for punctuation, especially a period. A decimal point. Linguistics A vowel point. One of the protruding marks used in certain methods of writing and printing for the blind. Mathematics A dimensionless geometric object having no properties except location. An element in a geometrically described set. A place or locality considered with regard to its position: connections to Chicago and points west. A narrowly particularized and localized position or place; a spot: The troops halted at a point roughly 1,000 yards from the river. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A place or locality considered with regard to its position: connections to Chicago and points west. A narrowly particularized and localized position or place; a spot: The troops halted at a point roughly 1,000 yards from the river. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A specified degree, condition, or limit, as in a scale or course: the melting point of a substance. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A specific moment in time: At this point, we are ready to proceed. An objective or purpose to be reached or achieved, or one that is worth reaching or achieving: What is the point of discussing this issue further? The major idea or essential part of a concept or narrative: You have missed the whole point of the novel. A significant, outstanding, or effective idea, argument, or suggestion: Your point is well taken. A separate, distinguishing item or element; a detail: Diplomacy is certainly not one of his strong points. Your weak point is your constant need for approval. A quality or characteristic that is important or distinctive, especially a standard characteristic used to judge an animal. A single unit, as in counting, rating, or measuring. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. Sports & Games A unit of scoring or counting. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. One percent of the total principal of a loan, paid up front to the lender and considered separately from the interest. Music A phrase, such as a fugue subject, in contrapuntal music. Printing A unit of type size equal to 0.01384 inch, or approximately 1/72 of an inch. A jeweler's unit of weight equal to 2 milligrams or 0.01 carat. The act or an instance of pointing. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. Needlepoint. See bobbin lace. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. Sports Either of two positions in ice hockey just inside the offensive zone near the boards, usually assumed by defenders attempting to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Basketball A position in the forecourt beyond the top of the key, usually taken by the point guard. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. points The extremities of an animal, such as a horse or dog. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch. A ribbon or cord with a metal tag at the end, used to fasten clothing in the 16th and 17th centuries. v.   point·ed, point·ing, points v.   tr. To direct or aim: point a weapon. See Synonyms at aim. To bring (something) to notice: pointed out an error in their reasoning. To indicate the position or direction of: pointed out the oldest buildings on the skyline. To sharpen (a pencil, for example); provide with a point. To separate with decimal points: pointing off the hundredths place in a column of figures. To mark (text) with points; punctuate. Linguistics To mark (a consonant) with a vowel point. To give emphasis to; stress: comments that simply point up flawed reasoning. To indicate the presence and position of (game) by standing immobile and directing the muzzle toward it. Used of a hunting dog. To fill and finish the joints of (masonry) with cement or mortar. v.   intr. To direct attention or indicate position with or as if with the finger. To turn the mind or thought in a particular direction or to a particular conclusion: All indications point to an early spring. To be turned or faced in a given direction; aim. To indicate the presence and position of game. Used of a hunting dog. Nautical To sail close to the wind. [Middle English, partly from Old French point, prick, mark, moment (from Vulgar Latin *punctum, from Latin pūnctum, from neuter past participle of pungere, to prick) and partly from Old French pointe, sharp end (from Vulgar Latin *puncta, from Latin pūncta, from feminine past participle of pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots).]

Point

Point\ (point), v. t. & i. To appoint. [Obs.] --Spenser.

Point

Point\, n. [F. point, and probably also pointe, L. punctum, puncta, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See Pungent, and cf. Puncto, Puncture.]

1. That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing instrument, as a needle or a pin.

2. An instrument which pricks or pierces, as a sort of needle used by engravers, etchers, lace workers, and others; also, a pointed cutting tool, as a stone cutter's point; -- called also pointer.

3. Anything which tapers to a sharp, well-defined termination. Specifically: A small promontory or cape; a tract of land extending into the water beyond the common shore line.

4. The mark made by the end of a sharp, piercing instrument, as a needle; a prick.

5. An indefinitely small space; a mere spot indicated or supposed. Specifically: (Geom.) That which has neither parts nor magnitude; that which has position, but has neither length, breadth, nor thickness, -- sometimes conceived of as the limit of a line; that by the motion of which a line is conceived to be produced.

6. An indivisible portion of time; a moment; an instant; hence, the verge.

When time's first point begun Made he all souls. --Sir J. Davies.

7. A mark of punctuation; a character used to mark the divisions of a composition, or the pauses to be observed in reading, or to point off groups of figures, etc.; a stop, as a comma, a semicolon, and esp. a period; hence, figuratively, an end, or conclusion.

And there a point, for ended is my tale. --Chaucer.

Commas and points they set exactly right. --Pope.

8. Whatever serves to mark progress, rank, or relative position, or to indicate a transition from one state or position to another, degree; step; stage; hence, position or condition attained; as, a point of elevation, or of depression; the stock fell off five points; he won by tenpoints. "A point of precedence." --Selden. "Creeping on from point to point." --Tennyson.

A lord full fat and in good point. --Chaucer.

9. That which arrests attention, or indicates qualities or character; a salient feature; a characteristic; a peculiarity; hence, a particular; an item; a detail; as, the good or bad points of a man, a horse, a book, a story, etc.

He told him, point for point, in short and plain. --Chaucer.

In point of religion and in point of honor. --Bacon.

Shalt thou dispute With Him the points of liberty ? --Milton.

10. Hence, the most prominent or important feature, as of an argument, discourse, etc.; the essential matter; esp., the proposition to be established; as, the point of an anecdote. "Here lies the point." --Shak.

They will hardly prove his point. --Arbuthnot.

11. A small matter; a trifle; a least consideration; a punctilio.

This fellow doth not stand upon points. --Shak.

[He] cared not for God or man a point. --Spenser.

12. (Mus.) A dot or mark used to designate certain tones or time; as: (a) (Anc. Mus.) A dot or mark distinguishing or characterizing certain tones or styles; as, points of perfection, of augmentation, etc.; hence, a note; a tune. "Sound the trumpet -- not a levant, or a flourish, but a point of war." --Sir W. Scott. (b) (Mod. Mus.) A dot placed at the right hand of a note, to raise its value, or prolong its time, by one half, as to make a whole note equal to three half notes, a half note equal to three quarter notes.

13. (Astron.) A fixed conventional place for reference, or zero of reckoning, in the heavens, usually the intersection of two or more great circles of the sphere, and named specifically in each case according to the position intended; as, the equinoctial points; the solstitial points; the nodal points; vertical points, etc. See Equinoctial Nodal.

14. (Her.) One of the several different parts of the escutcheon. See Escutcheon.

15. (Naut.) (a) One of the points of the compass (see Points of the compass, below); also, the difference between two points of the compass; as, to fall off a point. (b) A short piece of cordage used in reefing sails. See Reef point, under Reef.

16. (Anc. Costume) A a string or lace used to tie together certain parts of the dress. --Sir W. Scott.

17. Lace wrought the needle; as, point de Venise; Brussels point. See Point lace, below.

18. pl. (Railways) A switch. [Eng.]

19. An item of private information; a hint; a tip; a pointer. [Cant, U. S.]

20. (Cricket) A fielder who is stationed on the off side, about twelve or fifteen yards from, and a little in advance of, the batsman.

21. The attitude assumed by a pointer dog when he finds game; as, the dog came to a point. See Pointer.

22. (Type Making) A standard unit of measure for the size of type bodies, being one twelfth of the thickness of pica type. See Point system of type, under Type.

23. A tyne or snag of an antler.

24. One of the spaces on a backgammon board.

25. (Fencing) A movement executed with the saber or foil; as, tierce point.

Note: The word point is a general term, much used in the sciences, particularly in mathematics, mechanics, perspective, and physics, but generally either in the geometrical sense, or in that of degree, or condition of change, and with some accompanying descriptive or qualifying term, under which, in the vocabulary, the specific uses are explained; as, boiling point, carbon point, dry point, freezing point, melting point, vanishing point, etc.

At all points, in every particular, completely; perfectly. --Shak.

At point, In point, At, In, or On, the point, as near as can be; on the verge; about (see About, prep., 6); as, at the point of death; he was on the point of speaking. "In point to fall down." --Chaucer. "Caius Sidius Geta, at point to have been taken, recovered himself so valiantly as brought day on his side." --Milton.

Dead point. (Mach.) Same as Dead center, under Dead.

Far point (Med.), in ophthalmology, the farthest point at which objects are seen distinctly. In normal eyes the nearest point at which objects are seen distinctly; either with the two eyes together (binocular near point), or with each eye separately (monocular near point).

Nine points of the law, all but the tenth point; the greater weight of authority.

On the point. See At point, above.

Point lace, lace wrought with the needle, as distinguished from that made on the pillow.

Point net, a machine-made lace imitating a kind of Brussels lace (Brussels ground).

Point of concurrence (Geom.), a point common to two lines, but not a point of tangency or of intersection, as, for instance, that in which a cycloid meets its base.

Point of contrary flexure, a point at which a curve changes its direction of curvature, or at which its convexity and concavity change sides.

Point of order, in parliamentary practice, a question of order or propriety under the rules.

Point of sight (Persp.), in a perspective drawing, the point assumed as that occupied by the eye of the spectator.

Point of view, the relative position from which anything is seen or any subject is considered.

Points of the compass (Naut.), the thirty-two points of division of the compass card in the mariner's compass; the corresponding points by which the circle of the horizon is supposed to be divided, of which the four marking the directions of east, west, north, and south, are called cardinal points, and the rest are named from their respective directions, as N. by E., N. N. E., N. E. by N., N. E., etc. See Illust. under Compass.

Point paper, paper pricked through so as to form a stencil for transferring a design.

Point system of type. See under Type.

Singular point (Geom.), a point of a curve which possesses some property not possessed by points in general on the curve, as a cusp, a point of inflection, a node, etc.

To carry one's point, to accomplish one's object, as in a controversy.

To make a point of, to attach special importance to.

To make, or gain, a point, accomplish that which was proposed; also, to make advance by a step, grade, or position.

To mark, or score, a point, as in billiards, cricket, etc., to note down, or to make, a successful hit, run, etc.

To strain a point, to go beyond the proper limit or rule; to stretch one's authority or conscience.

Vowel point, in Hebrew, and certain other Eastern and ancient languages, a mark placed above or below the consonant, or attached to it, representing the vowel, or vocal sound, which precedes or follows the consonant.

Point

Point\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pointed; p. pr. & vb. n. Pointing.] [Cf. F. pointer. See Point, n.]

1. To give a point to; to sharpen; to cut, forge, grind, or file to an acute end; as, to point a dart, or a pencil. Used also figuratively; as, to point a moral.

2. To direct toward an abject; to aim; as, to point a gun at a wolf, or a cannon at a fort.

3. Hence, to direct the attention or notice of.

Whosoever should be guided through his battles by Minerva, and pointed to every scene of them. --Pope.

4. To supply with punctuation marks; to punctuate; as, to point a composition.

5. To mark (as Hebrew) with vowel points.

6. To give particular prominence to; to designate in a special manner; to indicate, as if by pointing; as, the error was pointed out. --Pope.

He points it, however, by no deviation from his straightforward manner of speech. --Dickens.

7. To indicate or discover by a fixed look, as game.

8. (Masonry) To fill up and finish the joints of (a wall), by introducing additional cement or mortar, and bringing it to a smooth surface.

9. (Stone Cutting) To cut, as a surface, with a pointed tool.

To point a rope (Naut.), to taper and neatly finish off the end by interweaving the nettles.

To point a sail (Naut.), to affix points through the eyelet holes of the reefs.

To point off, to divide into periods or groups, or to separate, by pointing, as figures.

To point the yards (of a vessel) (Naut.), to brace them so that the wind shall strike the sails obliquely. --Totten.

Point

Point\ (point), v. i. 1. To direct the point of something, as of a finger, for the purpose of designating an object, and attracting attention to it; -- with at.

Now must the world point at poor Katharine. --Shak.

Point at the tattered coat and ragged shoe. --Dryden.

2. To indicate the presence of game by fixed and steady look, as certain hunting dogs do.

He treads with caution, and he points with fear. --Gay.

3. (Med.) To approximate to the surface; to head; -- said of an abscess.

To point at, to treat with scorn or contempt by pointing or directing attention to.

To point well (Naut.), to sail close to the wind; -- said of a vessel.

point  (v.)

Main Entry: ²point
Function: intransitive verb
of an abscess : to become distended with pus prior to breaking