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

What White can’t pinpoint is what is the tipping point at which these debt mountains suddenly become a systemic threat.

From MarketWatch

By reconstructing these ancient genomes, researchers were able to pinpoint where the viruses had integrated into human chromosomes.

From Science Daily

Their findings pinpoint a deep prehistoric moment when dogs started to differ noticeably in both size and skull shape.

From Science Daily

Security officials urge family members not to telegraph appearances at charity events or to post on social media about vacations or other activities that pinpoint their locations.

From The Wall Street Journal

The difficulty for forecasters will be pinpointing the fine temperature boundaries that dictate where snow, sleet or rain falls.

From BBC

Related Words

• diagnose
• identify
• recognize