point source

noun

1
: a source of radiation (such as light) that is concentrated at a point and considered as having no spatial extension
2
: an identifiable confined source (such as a smokestack or wastewater treatment plant) from which a pollutant is discharged or emitted

Examples of point source in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There can be high levels of phosphate from [pollution] point sources or from agricultural runoff, which is a big issue. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 19 June 2026 In every case, the best fit was a system with a massive point source at its center, and the rest of the material rotating around it. ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 This is a point source detection problem, in which the multiple sources of a complex signal are located. John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 Usually, such compact objects are classified as point sources, and most tend to be stars. Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for point source

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of point source was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Point source.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20source. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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