pointer
|point-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɔɪntər/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɔɪntə/
indicator or guide
Etymology
'pointer' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pointen,' where 'point' meant 'to indicate or direct.'
'pointen' transformed into the modern English word 'pointer' through the addition of the suffix '-er,' indicating an agent noun.
Initially, it meant 'one who points,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings, including a device or piece of advice.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a long, thin stick used for pointing out things on a map, board, etc.
The teacher used a pointer to highlight the countries on the map.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a piece of advice or information that helps you understand or do something better.
She gave me some pointers on how to improve my presentation skills.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a variable in programming that stores the memory address of another variable.
In C programming, pointers are used to access memory locations directly.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39