pointer
UK[ˈpɔɪntə]US[ˈpɔɪntər]
n
a thin piece of metal on a piece of equipment that moves to show a measurement
n
a helpful piece of advice or information
n
a sign that something exists or is likely to happen
n
a long thin stick used for pointing at things on a map or board
n
a dog that stands very still with its nose pointing towards a bird or animal to show a hunter where it is
Morpheme Breakdown
point
er
point
verb
er
agent suffix
Etymology
The word 'pointer' is a transparent English compound formed by combining the verb 'point' with the agentive suffix '-er'. The core verb 'point' originates from the Latin pungere, meaning "to prick or pierce," which evolved through Old French to signify directing attention toward a specific spot, as if marking it. The suffix '-er' is a common Germanic agent-noun formative, creating words for instruments or performers of an action. Thus, the literal construction "one who or that which points" logically extends to various modern referents, from a physical indicator on a dial to a breed of hunting dog that signals game by pointing its body.
Analysis
Structure: point (verb) + er (agent suffix)
- point: From Latin punctum via Old French point. In this compound, it functions as the verbal root meaning "to direct attention to a specific place or detail."
- er: From Old English -ere, an agent noun suffix indicating "a person or thing that performs the action of the verb."
Examples
The pointer on the speedometer was touching eighty.
The report offers some useful pointers for beginners.
She used a laser pointer during her presentation.