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Glite Dictionary
pointel

pointel

9.9
A small pointed tool for cutting fine lines in metal or wood
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : punzón
  • The engraver selected a fine pointel to finish the intricate patterns.

Examples

  • To achieve delicate shading, she switched to a smaller pointel.

  • The artist used a pointel to create intricate designs.

  • A skilled artisan knows the difference between a chisel and a pointel when engraving.

  • Can you hand me that pointel?

  • The engraver selected a fine pointel to finish the intricate patterns.

  • To achieve delicate shading, she switched to a smaller pointel.

  • A skilled artisan knows the difference between a chisel and a pointel when engraving.

Synonyms

graver
vspointel
  • Specialized
5 9.9

A small sharp tool engravers use to cut lines into metal or wood

is focused on finer more detailed incisions rather than general lines
pointrel
vspointel
  • Jargon
9.9

A small pointed tool an engraver uses to make fine details on metal

is a small pointed tool for making very fine incisions
graving tool
vspointel
  • Specialized
8.9

A thing used to cut designs into metal, wood, or stone

is a specific small pointed tool used for very fine incisions

Surface Forms

pointel singular
pointels plural

Morphology

pointel = point (semi-transparent) = point + el

Formed from 'point' + a diminutive/agentive '-el'; the basic meaning 'small point/tool' is inferable but the suffix is not a productive general English suffix and the term is specialized.

Etymology

Pointel comes from the French word point meaning 'point' and the ending -el meaning 'little', so it means 'little point'. A helpful image is a tiny 'point' like a needle used to make very fine lines, which is exactly why a pointel is a small pointed tool for careful engraving.