pinpoint

American  

[pin-point] / ˈpɪnˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the point of a pin.

2. a trifle; pinhead.

3. a tiny spot or sharp point.

   Synonyms:

   define, identify, localize, spot

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verb (used with object)

1. to locate or describe exactly or precisely.

   to pinpoint the problem.

adjective

1. exact; precise.

   pinpoint accuracy.

pinpoint British  

/ ˈpɪnˌpɔɪnt /

verb

1. to locate or identify exactly

   to pinpoint a problem

   to pinpoint a place on a map

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noun

1. an insignificant or trifling thing

2. the point of a pin

3. (modifier) exact

   a pinpoint aim

Etymology

Origin of pinpoint

First recorded in 1840–50; pin + point

Example Sentences

Because the data collection ended around age 20, researchers could not pinpoint when development was complete.

From Science Daily

To pinpoint the protective trait, researchers crossed Calcutta 4 with susceptible bananas from another diploid subspecies.

From Science Daily

Researchers have pinpointed three already approved medications that may be repurposed to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily

In the meantime, she said, the startup plans to grow — “slowly ... so that every author’s needs are taken care of” — and keep pinpointing publishing “blind spots.”

From Los Angeles Times

But researchers at the bank use a proprietary price measure to try to pinpoint the underlying rate of inflation by stripping out any temporary factors, including the effects of the shutdown and limited data collection.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• diagnose
• identify
• recognize