Point facts for kids
The word point has many different meanings, depending on how it's used. It can describe a tiny spot, a specific place, a score in a game, or even a direction. Let's explore some of the most common ways we use the word "point."
What is a Point?
In Math and Science
Geometry
In geometry, a point is a basic idea. It's like a tiny dot that shows a specific spot in space or on a flat surface. A point has a location, but it doesn't have any size, length, width, or depth. Think of it as a precise marker.
Animal Colors
Some animals, especially cats and rabbits, have a special fur pattern called "point coloration." This means their fur is darker on their ears, paws, tail, and face. This happens because of a special gene that makes color develop only in cooler parts of their body.
Gemstones
When talking about gemstones like diamonds, a "point" is a very small unit of weight. One point is equal to one-hundredth of a carat. This means 100 points make up one full carat.
In Language and Printing
Typography
In typography, which is the art of arranging type, a "point" is a unit of measurement. It's used to describe the size of letters and text. For example, when you choose a "12-point font" in a document, you are picking a specific size for your letters.
Dot Characters
The word "point" can also mean a dot character. For example, a full stop is often called a "point" in some languages. A decimal point is the dot used to separate whole numbers from fractions, like in "3.14."
In Everyday Life
Leading the Way
A "point man" is the person or vehicle at the very front of a group, like a military patrol. They are the first to go into an area, often to check for danger or to lead the way. This is also called "taking point."
Driving Rules
Many places use a "point system" for driving. If a driver breaks traffic laws, they get "demerit points" added to their record. If they get too many points, they might lose their driver's license.
Train Tracks
In British English, the parts of a railroad switch that allow a train to change tracks are called "points." These are movable sections of track that guide the train wheels onto a different path.
Landforms
A "point" can also be a landform. This is a narrow piece of land that sticks out into a body of water, like a lake or the ocean.
Ancient Tools
A "projectile point" is an ancient tool, usually made of stone, bone, or metal. These were attached to spears, arrows, or darts and used for hunting or as knives.
Compass Directions
A "compass point" is one of the 32 directions on a traditional compass. These include the main directions like North, South, East, and West, as well as directions in between, like Northeast or Southwest.
Sailing
In sailing, "points of sail" describe the direction a sailboat is moving in relation to the wind. Sailors need to understand these points to steer their boat effectively and use the wind to their advantage.
In Sports and Games
Scoring
In many sports and games, a "point" is a unit of scoring. It's how teams or players keep track of who is winning.
- In basketball, points are scored by shooting the ball through the hoop.
- In tennis, a point is the smallest unit of scoring in a game.
- In ice hockey, a player earns a point for scoring a goal or assisting another player in scoring a goal.
Cricket
In cricket, "point" is a specific fielding position. This fielder stands close to the batter, usually on the off side.
Ice Hockey Position
"The point" in ice hockey also refers to a specific location on the ice, usually near the blue line, where defensemen often play during an attack.
Basketball Player
A "point guard" is a specific player position in basketball. This player is usually responsible for bringing the ball up the court and setting up plays for their team.
Places
- Point, Outer Hebrides, a district on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
- Points, West Virginia, a community in the United States.
See also
In Spanish: Point para niños
