point-like
|point-like|
/ˈpɔɪntˌlaɪk/
resembling a point
Etymology
'point-like' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of 'point' and the suffix '-like'.
'point' changed from Old French word 'point', which in turn comes from Latin 'punctum'; the suffix '-like' developed from Old English 'lic'. The compound appeared in Middle English as 'pointlike' and later standardized in Modern English as 'point-like'.
Initially it meant 'having the qualities of a point', but over time it also acquired the technical meaning 'so small as to be treated as a point' in scientific contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the form, tip, or quality of a point; sharp or pointed.
The thorn was point-like and pierced his glove.
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Adjective 2
in mathematics or physics: so small in spatial extent that it can be treated as a mathematical point; of negligible size compared with other dimensions.
In the model the particle is treated as point-like.
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Last updated: 2026/01/15 22:45