pointer

point·er

noun \ˈpȯin-tər\

Definition of POINTER

1

a plural capitalized : the two stars in the Big Dipper a line through which points to the North Star

b : one that points out; especially : a rod used to direct attention

c : a computer memory address that contains another address (as of desired data)

2

: a large strong slender smooth-haired gundog that hunts by scent and indicates the presence of game by pointing

3

: one that furnishes with points

4

: a useful suggestion or hint : tip

Examples of POINTER

1. Let me give you a few pointers on managing a successful business.
2. The latest data gives a pointer to the economy's overall growth.
3. This may be a pointer to a very serious problem.

First Known Use of POINTER

1574

Related to POINTER

Synonyms

hand, index, indicator, needle

Related Words

dial, face, gauge (also gage)

Rhymes with POINTER

jointer

pointer

   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of POINTER

—see hip pointer

pointer

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

German short-haired pointer—Sally Anne Thompson

Dog breed, of hound, spaniel, and setter ancestry, first recorded c. 1650 in Great Britain and named for the dog's rigid posture in the direction of quarry. Pointers were originally used to point out hares and were later trained as bird dogs. The pointer stands 23–28 in. (58–71 cm) tall and weighs 50–75 lb (23–34 kg); it has a long muzzle, hanging ears, tapered tail, and a short, smooth coat, usually white with dark markings. The German short-haired pointer, another sporting breed, tracks, points, and retrieves; it is about the size of a pointer and has a short coat of solid liver colour or liver and gray-white.