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20 dictionary results for: point
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
point       [point] Pronunciation Key
–noun
1.a sharp or tapering end, as of a dagger.
2.a projecting part of anything: A point of land juts into the bay.
3.a tapering extremity: the points of the fingers.
4.something having a sharp or tapering end: a pen point.
5.a pointed tool or instrument, as an etching needle.
6.a stone implement with a tapering end found in some Middle and Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic cultures and used primarily for hunting.
7.a mark made with or as if with the sharp end of something: Her sharp heels left points in the carpet.
8.a mark of punctuation.
9.period (def. 15).
10.See under decimal fraction.
11.Phonetics. a diacritic indicating a vowel or other modification of sound.
12.one of the embossed dots used in certain systems of writing and printing for the blind.
13.something that has position but not extension, as the intersection of two lines.
14.a place of which the position alone is considered; spot: We're leaving for Chicago and points west.
15.any definite position, as in a scale, course, etc.: the boiling point.
16.(in acupuncture) a particular spot on the body at which a needle may be inserted, as to relieve pain.
17.Navigation. any of 32 separate horizontal directions, 11° 15' apart, as indicated on the card of a compass or gauged with reference to the heading of a vessel.
18.Nautical. point of sailing.
19.a degree or stage: frankness to the point of insult.
20.a particular instant of time: It was at that point that I told him he'd said enough.
21.a critical position in a course of affairs: Morale had reached a low point.
22.a decisive state of circumstances: He reached the point where he could no longer pay his debts.
23.the important or essential thing: the point of the matter.
24.the salient feature of a story, epigram, joke, etc.: to miss the point.
25.a particular aim, end, or purpose: He carried his point.
26.a hint or suggestion: points on getting a job.
27.a single or separate article or item, as in an extended whole; a detail or particular: the fine points of a contract.
28.an individual part or element of something: noble points in her character.
29.a distinguishing mark or quality, esp. one of an animal, used as a standard in stockbreeding, judging, etc.
30.points,
a.the extremities of an animal, esp. a horse or dog.
b.Railroads, British. a switch.
31.a single unit, as in counting.
32.a unit of count in the score of a game: Our team won by five points.
33.(in craps) the number that must be thrown to win but not including 7 or 11 on the first roll: Your point is 4.
34.Ice Hockey. either of two positions, to the right or left of the goal, to which an attacking defenseman is assigned, usually in the execution of a power play, to help keep the puck in the attacking zone.
35.Basketball. a position in the front court, usually taken by the guard in charge of setting up the team's offense.
36.Cricket.
a.the position of the fielder who plays a short distance in front of and to the offside of the batsman.
b.the fielder playing this position.
37.Chiefly Boxing. the end or tip (of the chin).
38.Hunting.
a.the action of a hunting dog that indicates the presence and location of game by standing rigid and directing its head toward the game.
b.the position taken by a hunting dog in pointing game.
39.a branch of an antler of a deer: an eight-point buck.
40.Sports. a cross-country run.
41.one of the narrow tapering spaces marked on a backgammon board.
42.Education. a single credit, usually corresponding to an hour's class work per week for one semester.
43.Electricity.
a.Also called breaker point. either of a pair of contacts tipped with tungsten or platinum that make or break current flow in a distributor, as in an automobile.
b.British. an outlet or socket.
44.Commerce.
a.a unit of price quotation, as in the U.S., one dollar in stock transactions, one hundredth of a cent in cotton and coffee, or one cent in oil, grain, pork, etc.: The price of stock went up two points today.
b.(esp. in motion pictures) a percentage point, usually of the gross profits, granted to someone who agrees to invest or otherwise participate in a business project: The star of the movie recieved a million dollar guarantee and five points.
45.one percent of the face value of a loan, esp. a mortgage loan, added on as a placement fee or a service charge and paid in advance or upon closing of the loan.
46.Jewelry. a unit of weight equal to 1/100 of a carat.
47.Military.
a.a patrol or reconnaissance unit that goes ahead of the advance party of an advance guard, or follows the rear party of the rear guard.
b.the stroke in bayonet drill or combat.
48.Printing.
a.a unit of type measurement equal to 0.013835 inch (1/72 inch), or 1/12 pica. Compare Didot point system.
b.Also called press-point. (in a press) one of several metal prongs for perforating the sheet so that it will be in register when the reverse is printed.
49.a unit of measure of paper or card thickness, equal to 0.001 inch.
50.vaccine point.
51.point lace.
52.any lace made by hand.
53.Heraldry. one of the pendent parts of a label.
54.Railroads.
a.the vertex of the angle formed at a frog by two rails; the intersection of gauge lines in a switch or frog.
b.British. a tapering movable rail, as in a railroad switch.
55.(in the game of go) any place where lines intersect or meet.
56.act of pointing.
57.Archaic. a tagged ribbon or cord, formerly much used in dress, as for tying or fastening parts.
58.Obsolete. an end or conclusion.
59.Obsolete. a pointed weapon, as a dagger.
60.Obsolete. condition.
–verb (used with object)
61.to direct (the finger, a weapon, the attention, etc.) at, to, or upon something.
62.to indicate the presence or position of (usually fol. by out): to point out an object in the sky.
63.to direct attention to (usually fol. by out): to point out the advantages of a proposal.
64.to furnish with a point or points; sharpen: to point a lead pencil.
65.to mark with one or more points, dots, or the like.
66.Sculpture. to transfer measurements of depth from a clay, wax, or plaster model to (a block of stone) by means of an apparatus that drills holes to the required depth prior to carving.
67.to punctuate, as writing.
68.Phonetics. to mark (letters) with points.
69.to separate (figures) by dots or points (usually fol. by off).
70.to give greater or added force to (often fol. by up): to point up the necessity for caution.
71.Hunting. (of a hunting dog) to indicate the presence and location of (game) by standing rigid and facing toward the game.
72.Masonry.
a.to fill the joints of (brickwork, stonework, etc.) with mortar or cement treated in various ways with tools after application.
b.to dress the surface of (a stone) with a pointed tool.
73.to dress (a stone) with a point.
74.Metalworking.
a.to narrow the end of (a rod) for passing through the dies of a drawbench.
b.to narrow the end of (a tube) over the head of a pin that is gripped to pull the tube through the dies of a drawbench.
–verb (used without object)
75.to indicate position or direction, as with the finger.
76.to direct the mind or thought in some direction; call attention to: Everything points to his guilt.
77.to aim.
78.to have a tendency toward something: Economic conditions point to further inflation.
79.to have a specified direction: The sign pointed west.
80.to face in a particular direction, as a building.
81.Hunting. (of a hunting dog) to point game.
82.Nautical. to sail close to the wind.
83.(of an abscess) to come to a head.
—Idioms
84.at, on, or upon the point of, on the verge of; close to: on the point of death.
85.at this point in time, now; at this precise moment in history: At this point in time the President believes peace has been achieved.
86.in point, that is pertinent; applicable: a case in point.
87.in point of, as regards; in reference to: in point of fact.
88.make a point of, to regard as important; insist upon: She made a point of complimenting her friend's apartment.
89.make points with, Informal. to curry favor with: to make points with one's boss. Also, make Brownie points with.
90.strain or stretch a point, to depart from the usual procedure or rule because of special circumstances; make a concession or exception: Though the position required three years of previous experience, and he had only two, they stretched a point because of his outstanding record.
91.to the point, pertinent; fitting: The reply was short and to the point.
[Origin: 1175–1225; (n.) ME point(e); partly < OF point dot, mark, place, moment < L pūnctum, n. use of neut. ptp. of pungere to prick, stab (cf. pungent); partly < OF pointe sharp end < ML pūncta, n. use of L: fem. of ptp. of pungere; (v.) ME pointen; partly deriv. of the n., partly < MF pointer, deriv. of pointe (n.)]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
decimal fraction
–noun Arithmetic.
a fraction whose denominator is some power of 10, usually indicated by a dot (decimal point or point) written before the numerator: as 0.4 = 4/10; 0.126 = 126/1000.

[Origin: 1650–60]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
bobbin lace  
n.   An intricate handmade lace made by interlacing thread around small notched pins or bobbins stuck into a pillow. Also called pillow lace, point.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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point       (point)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. A sharp or tapered end: the point of a knife; the point of the antenna.
  2. An object having a sharp or tapered end: a stone projectile point.
  3. A tapering extension of land projecting into water; a peninsula, cape, or promontory.
  4. A mark formed by or as if by a sharp end.
  5. A mark or dot used in printing or writing for punctuation, especially a period.
  6. A decimal point.
  7. Linguistics A vowel point.
  8. One of the protruding marks used in certain methods of writing and printing for the blind.
  9. Mathematics
    1. A dimensionless geometric object having no properties except location.
    2. An element in a geometrically described set.
    3. A place or locality considered with regard to its position: connections to Chicago and points west.
    4. A narrowly particularized and localized position or place; a spot: The troops halted at a point roughly 1,000 yards from the river.
    5. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction.
    6. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings.
    7. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion.
    8. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death.
    9. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
    10. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
    11. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    12. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    13. The act or an instance of pointing.
    14. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    15. Needlepoint.
    16. See bobbin lace.
    17. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    18. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    19. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    20. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    21. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    22. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
    1. A place or locality considered with regard to its position: connections to Chicago and points west.
    2. A narrowly particularized and localized position or place; a spot: The troops halted at a point roughly 1,000 yards from the river.
    3. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction.
    4. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings.
    5. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion.
    6. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death.
    7. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
    8. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
    9. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    10. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    11. The act or an instance of pointing.
    12. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    13. Needlepoint.
    14. See bobbin lace.
    15. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    16. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    17. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    18. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    19. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    20. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  11. A specified degree, condition, or limit, as in a scale or course: the melting point of a substance.
    1. Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction.
    2. The interval of 11°15' between any two adjacent markings.
    3. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion.
    4. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death.
    5. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
    6. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
    7. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    8. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    9. The act or an instance of pointing.
    10. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    11. Needlepoint.
    12. See bobbin lace.
    13. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    14. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    15. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    16. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    17. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    18. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
    1. A distinct condition or degree: finally reached the point of exhaustion.
    2. The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge: on the point of resignation; at the point of death.
    3. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
    4. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
    5. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    6. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    7. The act or an instance of pointing.
    8. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    9. Needlepoint.
    10. See bobbin lace.
    11. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    12. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    13. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    14. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    15. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    16. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  14. A specific moment in time: At this point, we are ready to proceed.
  15. 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?
  16. The major idea or essential part of a concept or narrative: You have missed the whole point of the novel.
  17. A significant, outstanding, or effective idea, argument, or suggestion: Your point is well taken.
  18. 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.
  19. A quality or characteristic that is important or distinctive, especially a standard characteristic used to judge an animal.
  20. A single unit, as in counting, rating, or measuring.
    1. A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
    2. A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
    3. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    4. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    5. The act or an instance of pointing.
    6. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    7. Needlepoint.
    8. See bobbin lace.
    9. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    10. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    11. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    12. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    13. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    14. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  22. Sports & Games A unit of scoring or counting.
    1. A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
    2. A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
    3. The act or an instance of pointing.
    4. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    5. Needlepoint.
    6. See bobbin lace.
    7. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    8. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    9. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    10. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    11. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    12. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  24. One percent of the total principal of a loan, paid up front to the lender and considered separately from the interest.
  25. Music A phrase, such as a fugue subject, in contrapuntal music.
  26. Printing A unit of type size equal to 0.01384 inch, or approximately 1/72 of an inch.
  27. A jeweler's unit of weight equal to 2 milligrams or 0.01 carat.
    1. The act or an instance of pointing.
    2. The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
    3. Needlepoint.
    4. See bobbin lace.
    5. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    6. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    7. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    8. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    9. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    10. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
    1. Needlepoint.
    2. See bobbin lace.
    3. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    4. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    5. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    6. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    7. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    8. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
    1. A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
    2. The position occupied by such a unit or guard: A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
    3. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    4. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    5. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    6. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  31. 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.
  32. Basketball A position in the forecourt beyond the top of the key, usually taken by the point guard.
    1. An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
    2. Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
    3. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    4. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  34. points The extremities of an animal, such as a horse or dog.
    1. A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
    2. The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
  36. 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.
  1. To direct or aim: point a weapon. See Synonyms at aim.
  2. To bring (something) to notice: pointed out an error in their reasoning.
  3. To indicate the position or direction of: pointed out the oldest buildings on the skyline.
  4. To sharpen (a pencil, for example); provide with a point.
  5. To separate with decimal points: pointing off the hundredths place in a column of figures.
  6. To mark (text) with points; punctuate.
  7. Linguistics To mark (a consonant) with a vowel point.
  8. To give emphasis to; stress: comments that simply point up flawed reasoning.
  9. To indicate the presence and position of (game) by standing immobile and directing the muzzle toward it. Used of a hunting dog.
  10. To fill and finish the joints of (masonry) with cement or mortar.

v.   intr.
  1. To direct attention or indicate position with or as if with the finger.
  2. To turn the mind or thought in a particular direction or to a particular conclusion: All indications point to an early spring.
  3. To be turned or faced in a given direction; aim.
  4. To indicate the presence and position of game. Used of a hunting dog.
  5. 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).]

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point  (n.)
12c., a merger of two words, both ultimately from L. pungere "prick, pierce" (see pungent). The neut. pp. punctum was used as a noun, meaning "small hole made by pricking," subsequently extended to anything that looked like one, hence, "dot, particle," etc., which was its meaning as O.Fr. point, borrowed in M.E. by c.1300. The fem. pp. of pungere was puncta, which was used in M.L. to mean "sharp tip," and became O.Fr. pointe, which also passed into English, c.1330. The sense have merged in Eng., but remain distinct in Fr. Extended senses are from the notion of "minute, single, or separate items in an extended whole," which is the earliest attested sense in Eng. (c.1225). Meaning "distinguishing feature" is recorded from c.1470. Meaning "a unit of score in a game" is first recorded 1746. As a typeface unit, it went into use in U.S. 1883. As a measure of weight for precious stones (one one-hundredth of a carat) it is recorded from 1931. The point "the matter being discussed" is attested from c.1381; meaning "sense, purpose, advantage" (usually in the negative, e.g. what's the point?) is first recorded 1903. Phrase possession is nine (or eleven) points of the law (1697) is out of a supposed 10 (or 12). Point of view (1727) is a loan-transl. of Fr. point de vue, itself a loan-transl. of L. punctum visus (cf. Ger. Gesichtspunkt). Point of honor (1612) translates Fr. point d'honneur. Point of no return (1941) is originally aviators' term for the point in a flight "before which any engine failure requires an immediate turn around and return to the point of departure, and beyond which such return is no longer practical."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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point  (v.)
"to indicate with the finger," c.1470, from point (n.). Pointer "item of advice" first recorded 1883.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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point

noun
1. a geometric element that has position but no extension; "a point is defined by its coordinates" 
2. the precise location of something; a spatially limited location; "she walked to a point where she could survey the whole street" 
3. a brief version of the essential meaning of something; "get to the point"; "he missed the point of the joke"; "life has lost its point" 
4. an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole; "several of the details are similar"; "a point of information" [syn: detail] 
5. a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process; "a remarkable degree of frankness"; "at what stage are the social sciences?" [syn: degree] 
6. an instant of time; "at that point I had to leave" 
7. the object of an activity; "what is the point of discussing it?" 
8. a V shape; "the cannibal's teeth were filed to sharp points" 
9. a very small circular shape; "a row of points"; "draw lines between the dots" 
10. the unit of counting in scoring a game or contest; "he scored 20 points in the first half"; "a touchdown counts 6 points" 
11. a promontory extending out into a large body of water; "they sailed south around the point" 
12. a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list; "he noticed an item in the New York Times"; "she had several items on her shopping list"; "the main point on the agenda was taken up first" [syn: item] 
13. a style in speech or writing that arrests attention and has a penetrating or convincing quality or effect 
14. an outstanding characteristic; "his acting was one of the high points of the movie" 
15. sharp end; "he stuck the point of the knife into a tree"; "he broke the point of his pencil" 
16. any of 32 horizontal directions indicated on the card of a compass; "he checked the point on his compass" [syn: compass point] 
17. a linear unit used to measure the size of type; approximately 1/72 inch 
18. one percent of the total principal of a loan; it is paid at the time the loan is made and is independent of the interest on the loan 
19. a punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations; "in England they call a period a stop" [syn: period] 
20. a V-shaped mark at one end of an arrow pointer; "the point of the arrow was due north" 
21. the dot at the left of a decimal fraction [syn: decimal point] 
22. the property of a shape that tapers to a sharp tip [ant: unpointedness] 
23. a distinguishing or individuating characteristic; "he knows my bad points as well as my good points" 
24. the gun muzzle's direction; "he held me up at the point of a gun" 
25. a wall socket 
26. a contact in the distributor; as the rotor turns its projecting arm contacts them and current flows to the spark plugs [syn: distributor point] 

verb
1. indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively; "I showed the customer the glove section"; "He pointed to the empty parking space"; "he indicated his opponents" [syn: indicate] 
2. be oriented; "The weather vane points North"; "the dancers toes pointed outward" [syn: orient] 
3. direct into a position for use; "point a gun"; "He charged his weapon at me" [syn: charge] 
4. direct the course; determine the direction of travelling 
5. be a signal for or a symptom of; "These symptoms indicate a serious illness"; "Her behavior points to a severe neurosis"; "The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued" [syn: bespeak] 
6. sail close to the wind [syn: luff] 
7. mark (Hebrew words) with diacritics 
8. mark with diacritics; "point the letter" 
9. mark (a psalm text) to indicate the points at which the music changes 
10. be positionable in a specified manner; "The gun points with ease" 
11. intend (something) to move towards a certain goal; "He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face"; "criticism directed at her superior"; "direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself" [syn: target] 
12. indicate the presence of (game) by standing and pointing with the muzzle; "the dog pointed the dead duck" 
13. give a point to; "The candles are tapered" [syn: sharpen] 
14. repair the joints of bricks; "point a chimney" 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

point

In addition to the idioms beginning with point, also see at sword's point; at that point; at this point; belabor the point; beside the point; boiling point; brownie points; case in point; get to the point; hit the high spots (points); in (point of) fact; in point; jumping-off place (point); make a point of; make one's point; miss the point; moot point; on the point of; possession is nine points of the law; sore point; stretch a point; strong point; take someone's point; to the point; up to a point; win on points.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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The American Heritage Science Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
point       (point)  Pronunciation Key 
A geometric object having no dimensions and no property other than its location. The intersection of two lines is a point.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition - Cite This Source - Share This
point

In geometry, a location having no dimension — no length, height, or width — and identified by at least one coordinate.


The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

point (point)
n.

  1. A sharp or tapered end.
  2. A slight projection.
  3. A stage or condition reached.
v. point·ed, point·ing, points
To become ready to open, as an abscess or boil.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Wallstreet Words - Cite This Source - Share This

point

A change in the value of a security or a security index or average. For common and preferred stocks a point represents a change of $1. For bonds a point represents a 1% change in face value. For example, a one-point decline in a $1,000 principal amount bond translates to a $10 decline in price. For stock averages and indexes a point represents a unit of movement and is best interpreted as a percent of the beginning value. For example, a 100-point decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average that started the day at 10,000 represents a 1% fall in the average.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms for Today's Investor by David L. Scott.
Copyright © 2003 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: point
Function: noun
1 : a particular detail, proposition, or issue of law; specifically : POINT OF ERROR
2 : any of various incremental units used in measuring, fixing, or calculating something: as a : a unit used in calculating a sentence by various factors (as aggravating or mitigating circumstances) b : a unit used in the pricing of securities and valuation of markets c : a charge to a borrower (as a mortgagor) that is equal to one percent of the principal and that is made at closing—in point or on point : relevant to the legal issues at hand

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Free On-line Dictionary of Computing - Cite This Source - Share This

point
1. (Sometimes abbreviated "pt") The unit of length used in typography to specify text character height, rule width, and other small measurements.
There are six slightly different definitions: Truchet point, Didot point, ATA point, TeX point, Postscript point, and IN point.
In Europe, the most commonly used is Didot and in the US, the formerly standard ATA point has essentially been replaced by the PostScript point due to the demise of traditional typesetting systems and rise of desktop computer based systems running software such as QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Pagemaker.
There are 20 twips in a point and 12 points in a pica (known as a "Cicero" in the Didot system).
Different point systems.
(2004-12-23)
2. To move a pointing device so that the on-screen pointer is positioned over a certain object on the screen such as a button in a graphical user interface. In most window systems it is then necessary to click a (physical) button on the pointing device to activate or select the object. In some systems, just pointing to an object is known as "mouse-over" event which may cause some help text (called a "tool tip" in Windows) to be displayed.
(2001-05-21)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
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U.S. Gazetteer - Cite This Source - Share This

Point Harbor, NC Zip code(s): 27964

Point Clair, LA Zip code(s): 70721

Point Arena, CA (city, FIPS 57876) Location: 38.91145 N, 123.69072 W
Population (1990): 407 (196 housing units)
Area: 3.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 95468

Point Pleasant, WV (city, FIPS 64708) Location: 38.85388 N, 82.13066 W
Population (1990): 4996 (2440 housing units)
Area: 6.2 sq km (land), 1.8 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 25550

Point Vivian, NY Zip code(s): 13607

Point Roberts, WA Zip code(s): 98281

Point Hope, AK (city, FIPS 61630) Location: 68.31125 N, 166.72713 W
Population (1990): 639 (174 housing units)
Area: 14.5 sq km (land), 0.2 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 99766

Point Lay, AK (CDP, FIPS 61700) Location: 69.71114 N, 163.00889 W
Population (1990): 139 (48 housing units)
Area: 45.0 sq km (land), 85.6 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 99759

Point Marion, PA (borough, FIPS 61864) Location: 39.73445 N, 79.90068 W
Population (1990): 1344 (609 housing units)
Area: 1.1 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 15474

Point Baker, AK (CDP, FIPS 61190) Location: 56.35471 N, 133.62364 W
Population (1990): 39 (28 housing units)
Area: 2.0 sq km (land), 3.2 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 99927

Point Dume, CA (CDP, FIPS 57897) Location: 34.01232 N, 118.80159 W
Population (1990): 2809 (1351 housing units)
Area: 4.4 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)

Point Pleasant, NJ (borough, FIPS 59880) Location: 40.07840 N, 74.07092 W
Population (1990): 18177 (8006 housing units)
Area: 9.2 sq km (land), 1.6 sq km (water)

Point Comfort, TX (city, FIPS 58568) Location: 28.67213 N, 96.55700 W
Population (1990): 956 (390 housing units)
Area: 3.4 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)

Point Clear, AL (CDP, FIPS 61488) Location: 30.48963 N, 87.90439 W
Population (1990): 2125 (958 housing units)
Area: 15.0 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)

Point Blank, TX (city, FIPS 58556) Location: 30.74592 N, 95.21678 W
Population (1990): 443 (372 housing units)
Area: 4.9 sq km (land), 0.8 sq km (water)

Point Of Rocks, MD Zip code(s): 21777

Point Mugu Nawc, CA Zip code(s): 93042

Kings Point Cont, NY Zip code(s): 11024

Point Reyes Stat, CA Zip code(s): 94956

Piney Point Village, TX (city, FIPS 57800) Location: 29.75990 N, 95.51551 W
Population (1990): 3197 (1188 housing units)
Area: 5.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)

Barbers Point Housing, HI (CDP, FIPS 2500) Location: 21.32455 N, 158.08316 W
Population (1990): 2218 (866 housing units)
Area: 0.7 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)

Morgan's Point Resort, TX (city, FIPS 49392) Location: 31.15557 N, 97.45417 W
Population (1990): 1766 (778 housing units)
Area: 7.9 sq km (land), 0.2 sq km (water)

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (borough, FIPS 59910) Location: 40.09250 N, 74.04558 W
Population (1990): 5112 (3235 housing units)
Area: 3.7 sq km (land), 0.7 sq km (water)

Point, TX (city, FIPS 58532) Location: 32.93013 N, 95.87014 W
Population (1990): 645 (283 housing units)
Area: 7.2 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 75472

Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake, WA (CDP, FIPS 22108) Location: 47.59630 N, 122.70296 W
Population (1990): 2764 (1217 housing units)
Area: 5.0 sq km (land), 1.4 sq km (water)

Center Point, AL (CDP, FIPS 13264) Location: 33.64313 N, 86.67876 W
Population (1990): 22658 (9081 housing units)
Area: 22.0 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 35215, 35235

Powhatan Point, OH (village, FIPS 64542) Location: 39.86115 N, 80.80942 W
Population (1990): 1807 (821 housing units)
Area: 4.0 sq km (land), 0.4 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 43942

Pilot Point, AK (CDP, FIPS 60640) Location: 57.61931 N, 157.45901 W
Population (1990): 53 (57 housing units)
Area: 172.8 sq km (land), 42.8 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 99649

Powells Point, NC Zip code(s): 27966

Pilot Point, TX (city, FIPS 57476) Location: 33.39848 N, 96.95511 W
Population (1990): 2538 (1044 housing units)
Area: 7.6 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 76258

Piney Point, MD Zip code(s): 20674

Sodus Point, NY (village, FIPS 68242) Location: 43.26264 N, 76.99424 W
Population (1990): 1190 (777 housing units)
Area: 3.9 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 14555

West Point, NE (city, FIPS 52575) Location: 41.83767 N, 96.70734 W
Population (1990): 3250 (1388 housing units)
Area: 5.2 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 68788

Kittery Point, ME (CDP, FIPS 37375) Location: 43.08468 N, 70.69953 W
Population (1990): 1093 (504 housing units)
Area: 4.9 sq km (land), 1.7 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 03905

Rocky Point, NC Zip code(s): 28457

Rocky Point, NY (CDP, FIPS 63319) Location: 40.92706 N, 72.92337 W
Population (1990): 8596 (3870 housing units)
Area: 26.8 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 11778

Wolf Point, MT (city, FIPS 81475) Location: 48.09254 N, 105.64054 W
Population (1990): 2880 (1236 housing units)
Area: 2.3 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 59201

Union Point, GA (city, FIPS 78380) Location: 33.61719 N, 83.07592 W
Population (1990): 1753 (710 housing units)
Area: 5.3 sq km (land), 0.1 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 30669

West Point, CA Zip code(s): 95255

West Point, GA (city, FIPS 82132) Location: 32.87861 N, 85.16786 W
Population (1990): 3571 (1524 housing units)
Area: 11.4 sq km (land), 0.3 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 31833

West Point, IA (city, FIPS 84585) Location: 40.71582 N, 91.45152 W
Population (1990): 1079 (422 housing units)
Area: 1.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 52656

West Point, IL (village, FIPS 80762) Location: 40.25562 N, 91.18310 W
Population (1990): 214 (91 housing units)
Area: 0.4 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 62380

West Point, KY (city, FIPS 81930) Location: 37.98502 N, 85.95411 W
Population (1990): 1216 (560 housing units)
Area: 7.0 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 40177

West Point, MS (city, FIPS 79120) Location: 33.60651 N, 88.64462 W
Population (1990): 8489 (3397 housing units)
Area: 12.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 39773

West Point, NY (CDP, FIPS 80753) Location: 41.36234 N, 74.02732 W
Population (1990): 8024 (1134 housing units)
Area: 63.0 sq km (land), 1.9 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 10996

West Point, TX Zip code(s): 78963

West Point, VA (town, FIPS 84960) Location: 37.55231 N, 76.80027 W
Population (1990): 2938 (1184 housing units)
Area: 12.2 sq km (land), 4.0 sq km (water)
Zip code(s): 23181

Whitney Point, NY (village, FIPS 8