Other forms: pointers
A pointer is something that is used to indicate a specific direction or spot, such as an arrow, a long stick, or a computer cursor. It's also the name of a dog breed.
German shorthaired pointers and English pointers are varieties of a dog breed that bird hunters have worked with for generations. When these lean, muscular dogs smell grouse or pheasants, they freeze in place, noses pointed in the birds' direction. Non-canine pointers include those arrow icons moved across a computer screen by using a mouse or trackpad, and those long sticks that movie characters and professors use to point at big maps or projected images. Another kind of pointer is a suggestion or tip: "Here's a pointer for you: don't drink coffee right before bedtime!"