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# pointer

noun (a pointer, pointers)

«pointer» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A stick, arrow or needle used to point at something, such as on a dial, scale or clock. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#m1)
2. (informal) A useful tip or piece of advice. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#m2)
3. The arrow on a computer screen that you move with the mouse. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#m3)
4. A type of hunting dog. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#m4)
5. (computers) A value that tells where something is stored. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#m5)

### In the lessons

In maths and science: read where the pointer is on a scale or dial. In the classroom, a teacher may use a pointer on the board. In everyday talk: "Can you give me some pointers?" Phrases: laser pointer, pointers on.

### Examples

- Read the scale where the pointer stops. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x1)
- The pointer on the scales showed 3 kilograms. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x2)
- Move the pointer to the icon and click. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x3)
- Can you give me a few pointers on my drawing? [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x4)
- The teacher used a pointer to show the map. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x5)
- Never shine a laser pointer in anyone's eyes. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x6)
- A pointer dog stands still and points at birds. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/#x7)

### Note

Countable. Safety: laser pointers can damage eyes. In a maths scale question, find what each small mark is worth before reading the pointer.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «pointer» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/pointer/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«pointer» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/pointer.html) on Mova free.