deictic

adjective

deic·​tic ˈdīk-tik 

 also  ˈdāk-

: showing or pointing out directly

the words this, that, and those have a deictic function

Examples of deictic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then there are deictic or indexical gestures, which can happen either with or without vocal speech. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 19 June 2024

Some are meant to point out objects, known as deictic gestures, and others are for conveying messages, called symbolic gestures. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek deiktikos able to show, from deiktos, verbal of deiknynai to show — more at diction

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above