point source: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “point source” mean?
A single, identifiable, and localized origin or cause of something, especially pollution, light, sound, or data.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, identifiable, and localized origin or cause of something, especially pollution, light, sound, or data.
A concept used in environmental science, physics, and statistics to denote a clearly defined, discrete origin, as opposed to a non-point or diffuse source. It implies that the cause can be pinpointed to a specific location or entity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center') do not apply to this specific term.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical and academic writing in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “point source” in a Sentence
point source of [noun]point source [noun]identify/locate a point sourceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “point source” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The permit covers point source discharges into the river.
- It was a classic point source outbreak of the disease.
American English
- The Clean Water Act regulates point source pollutants.
- We identified a point source contamination plume.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in environmental compliance reports (e.g., 'The factory is a regulated point source of industrial effluent').
Academic
Common in environmental science, physics, acoustics, and statistics papers (e.g., 'The model assumes a stationary point source of contamination').
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term. Used in environmental regulations (e.g., NPDES permits in the US), optics, and signal processing (e.g., 'a point source of radiation').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “point source”
- Using 'point of source' (incorrect word order).
- Confusing with 'point of origin' (broader, not always technical).
- Using plural 'points source' instead of 'point sources'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically written as two separate words. It is often hyphenated when used as a pre-nominal modifier (e.g., 'point-source pollution'), but practices vary.
The direct antonym is 'non-point source' (NPS) or 'diffuse source,' which refers to widespread, hard-to-pinpoint origins, like agricultural runoff or urban street pollution.
Yes, though it's most often used for pollution. It can neutrally describe any localized origin, such as 'a point source of light' in physics or 'a point source of charitable funding.'
Use it as a noun, often followed by 'of' (e.g., 'a point source of noise'). It can also be used attributively before another noun (e.g., 'point source contamination'). The key is that the source is identifiable and localized.
A single, identifiable, and localized origin or cause of something, especially pollution, light, sound, or data.
Point source is usually technical/formal in register.
Point source: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪnt ˌsɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪnt ˌsɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a single point on a map where something (like pollution) starts. It's a 'point' you can point to as the 'source.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE IS A LOCATION (a specific, pin-pointable place of origin).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'point source' LEAST likely to be used?