pinpoint

/ˌpɪnˈpɔɪnt/

/ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/

Other forms: pinpointed; pinpointing; pinpoints

To pinpoint something is to nail down its exact location.

The point of a pin is very small and fine. Similarly, when you pinpoint something, you have narrowed down its location to the smallest possibility: you've found out exactly where it is. The government is constantly trying to pinpoint the location of terrorists, just as police try to pinpoint the location of criminals. Dogs can pinpoint many things through smell. It's often hard to pinpoint which car is producing an annoying car alarm. When you pinpoint something, you've found it.

Definitions of pinpoint

1. noun

   the sharp point of a pin
   type of:

   point

   sharp end
2. noun

   a very small spot
   synonyms: speck

   type of:

   dapple, fleck, maculation, patch, speckle, spot

   a small contrasting part of something
3. noun

   a very brief moment
   “they were strangers sharing a pinpoint of time together”

   type of:

   instant, minute, moment, second

   a particular point in time
4. verb

   locate exactly
   “can you pinpoint the position of the enemy?”

   synonyms: nail

   type of:

   locate, turn up

   discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining