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

The task is especially difficult if those stars cross each other's faces (as seen from our vantage point on Earth), because this means light from both stars can be seen as a single point source. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2025

The Clean Water Act prohibits discharging pollutants through a point source into U.S. waters unless a group has an NPDES permit, which can limit discharge, monitoring and reporting requirements, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

Fyne claims that the powerful point source configuration is driven by multiple motor systems featuring a neodymium magnet for the high frequencies and a large ferrite magnet for the main cone. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Population growth brings with it a corresponding rise in both point source and non-point source pollution, placing additional strain on our water systems. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for point source

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse