Pinpoint
/ˈpɪnˌpɔɪnt/noun
A very small, precise point or the act of identifying something exactly.
Did you know?‘Pinpoint’ is a relatively modern compound, built from the literal image of a pin’s sharp point, so its power comes from precision rather than ancient magic.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
pinn
“A peg, nail, or pin used for fastening.”
Old French
OF
point
“A sharp point or tip; a small dot.”
Middle English
English
pin point
“A point as small or sharp as a pin; a tiny speck.”
18th Century
English
pinpoint
“A very small point; to identify or locate exactly.”
Modern English
English
pinpoint
“To identify with great exactness; extremely precise.”