a term used in various arts.

Grammar, a character used to mark the divisions of discourse. See Comma, Colon, &c. A point proper is what we otherwise call a full stop or period. See Punctuation.

Geometry, according to Euclid, is that which has neither parts nor magnitude.

Music, a mark or note anciently used to distinguish the tones or sounds: hence we still call it simple counter-point, when a note of the lower part answers exactly to that of an upper; and figurative counter-point, when any note is syncopated, and one of the parts makes several notes or inflexions of the voice, while the other holds on one.

We still use a point, to raise the value of a note, and prolong its time by one half, e.g., a point added to a semibreve instead of two minims, makes it equal to three; and so of the other notes. See the article Time.

in Astronomy, a term applied to certain points or places marked in the heavens, and distinguished by proper epithets.

The four grand points or divisions of the horizon, viz. the east, west, north, and south, are called the cardinal points.

The zenith and nadir are the vertical points; the points wherein the orbits of the planets cut the plane of the ecliptic are called the nodes; the points wherein the equator and ecliptic intersect are called the equinoctial points; particularly, that whence the sun ascends towards the north pole, is called the vernal point; and that by which he descends to the south pole, the autumnal point.

The points of the ecliptic, where the sun’s ascent above the equator, and descent below it, terminate, are called the solstitial points; particularly the former of them, the solstitial or summer point; the latter, the brumal or winter point.

POINT is also used for a cape or headland jutting out into the sea: thus seamen say, two points of land are in one another, when they are so in a right line, against each other, as that the innermost is hindered from being seen by the outermost.

in Perspective, is used for various poles or places, with regard to the perspective plane. See Perspective.

POINT is also an iron or steel instrument, used with some variety in several arts. Engravers, etchers, cutters in wood, &c., use points to trace their designs on the copper, wood, stone, &c. See the articles Engraving, &c.

in the Manufactories, is a general term, used for all kinds of laces wrought with the needle; such are the point de Venice, point de France, point de Genoa, &c., which are distinguished by the particular economy and arrangement of their points.—POINT is sometimes used for lace woven with bobbins; as English point, point de Malines, point d’Havre, &c.

in Poetry, denotes a lively brisk turn or conceit, usually found or expected at the close of an epigram. See Poetry, No. 169.