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pointer

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pointer
pointer /ˈpɔɪntə $ -ər/ noun [countable]
 Word Family: noun: point, pointer, pointlessness; adjective: pointed, pointy, pointless; adverb: pointlessly, pointedly; verb: point
1.  ADVICE a useful piece of advice or information that helps you to do or understand something
   SYN  tip
    pointer on
    Ralph gave me some pointers on my golf swing.
    practical/useful/helpful pointers
    a few useful pointers about using the technique
2.  SIGN British English something that shows how a situation is developing, or is a sign of what might happen in the future
   SYN  indicator
    pointer to
    an encouraging pointer to an improvement in the economy
    The local elections were seen as a pointer to the general elections.
3.  COMPUTER the small symbol, usually an arrow, that you move using a computer’s mouse to point to the place on the screen where you want to work, start a program etc:
    Position the mouse pointer and click.
4.  STICK a long stick used to point at things on a map, board etc
5.  SHOWS NUMBER/DIRECTION ETC a thin piece of metal that points to a number or direction on a piece of equipment, for example on a measuring instrument:
    The pointer was between 35 and 40 pounds.
6.  DOG a hunting dog that stands very still and points with its nose to where birds or animals are hiding