The word "point" is spelled with five letters, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /pɔɪnt/, consisting of the consonants p, n, and t, as well as two vowel sounds: oi and the diphthong "ai." The "oi" in "point" is pronounced like the "oy" in "boy," while the "ai" creates a dipthong that sounds like the "i" in "ice." Together, they create the unique sound of the word "point."
Point (noun):
1. A small, sharp, or tapered end of an object or surface, often considered as having zero spatial dimensions.
2. A specific location or position in space or on a surface, usually identified by its coordinates or relation to other objects.
3. A particular moment or stage in a sequence of events or development.
4. A purpose, aim, or objective, usually with an associated plan or strategy.
5. A distinctive quality, characteristic, or feature that makes something significant or noteworthy.
6. In mathematics, a fundamental element that has no dimension but can establish position, direction, and magnitude in space; the basic unit used for measuring in geometry.
7. In sports or games, a numeric value representing the score or standing reached by a player or team.
8. A sharp, decisive, or critical moment or situation.
9. A viewpoint, opinion, or perspective on a matter of contention or debate.
10. A mark, dot, or sign used for punctuation, as in written language.
11. To direct or aim something, often with a finger or an object, toward a particular location or target.
Verb form: To point (verb)
1. To indicate or show the direction or location of something by extending a finger or an object, often accompanied by verbally conveying the intended target.
2. To aim or direct something, such as a weapon or device, toward a specific place or object.
3. To draw attention or focus toward a particular issue, idea, or piece of information.
1. A spot or small area. 2. A sharp end or apex. 3. A slight projection. 4. A limit, as the boiling point. 5. To make ready to open, said of an abscess the wall of which is becoming thin and is about to break. See also punctum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• The sharp end of any instrument or body; anything resembling a point; the sting of an epigram; a small cape or headland; a turn of thought or expression that strikes with agreeable surprise; in geom., that which has position but no magnitude; a moment; a small space; punctilio; nicety; place or time near; critical moment; eve or verge, as of death; position; state; dot, mark, or spot; direction of view, or part viewed; particular mark or aim; particular mode or parts; instance; example; single part; part of a whole; single position; the main question; lace wrought with the needle, as point-lace; a division of the mariner's compass.
• To bring to a sharp end; to direct towards; to aim; to show by way of example; to mark with characters in order to indicate certain distinctions; to distinguish by stops or points by way of punctuation; to fill the joints with mortar and smooth them with a trowel, as a stone wall; to direct attention to an object by the finger; to indicate, as dogs do to sportsmen.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "point" originated from the Latin word "punctum", which means "a small dot or mark". It was derived from the verb "pungere", meaning "to prick or pierce". The term eventually evolved to refer to a small, sharp tip or end of an object. Over time, "point" gained various additional meanings and uses, including indicating a specific location, marking a moment in time, or representing a unit on a scale.