pointer
Meaning
a thin piece of metal on a piece of equipment that moves to show a measurement
a helpful piece of advice or information
a sign that something exists or is likely to happen
a long thin stick used for pointing at things on a map or board
a dog that stands very still with its nose pointing towards a bird or animal to show a hunter where it is
Structure
Usage
The pointer on the speedometer was touching eighty.
The report offers some useful pointers for beginners.
She used a laser pointer during her presentation.
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
- 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."