point source

noun

A source of pollution, radiation, waves, fluid or other substance that has one specific location (and negligible physical extent, distinguishing a point source from other source geometries). In simulations they can often be approximated using mathematical point sources.

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Meanings

nounpoint source (plural point sources)

plural point sources

  1. sciencesA source of pollution, radiation, waves, fluid or other substance that has one specific location (and negligible physical extent, distinguishing a point source from other source geometries). In simulations they can often be approximated using mathematical point sources.
  2. mathematicsThe abstract concept of a singularity emitting a flux or flow. A source with infinitesimal dimensions in space.
Cite this entry
APA

point source. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/point%20source

MLA

“point source.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/point%20source. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “point source,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/point%20source.

Source: point source on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.