pointer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mark to indicate a direction or relation
    arrow.
  2. noun an indicator as on a dial
  3. noun (computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions
    cursor.
  4. noun a strong slender smooth-haired dog of Spanish origin having a white coat with brown or black patches; scents out and points to game
    Spanish pointer.

WordNet

Point"er noun
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, points. Specifically: (a) The hand of a timepiece. (b) (Zoöl.) One of a breed of dogs trained to stop at scent of game, and with the nose point it out to sportsmen. (c) pl. (Astron.) The two stars (Merak and Dubhe) in the Great Bear, the line between which points nearly in the direction of the north star. See Illust. of Ursa Major. (b) pl. (Naut.) Diagonal braces sometimes fixed across the hold.

Webster 1913