Outpointing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Extending outward in a pointed or projecting manner; directing attention or advantage beyond another in competition or comparison; forming a sharp, protruding shape at its end
2. Producing a projection that extends forward or outward sharply; achieving superiority by scoring more points in a contest; having a distinctly tapered or acute tip
3. Characterized by a pronounced outward projection or spike; surpassing an opponent by accumulating higher scores; featuring a conspicuous pointed extension at a boundary or edge

Etymology: "Outpointing" is the present participle of "outpoint," a formation from the prefix "out-," meaning "beyond" or "surpassing," and "point." The "point" half comes through Old French "point" from Latin "punctum," meaning "a pricked spot," which is also the source of "puncture." The sense of scoring more points than a rival is the most common use of the verb, most often in contests such as boxing or other judged sports, where one competitor is ahead on the tally. The meanings listed for this entry also include a physical sense, a conspicuous pointed projection or extension at an edge. That sense comes from the same "point" root, as "outpointing" describes something that juts beyond its surroundings. Both senses rest on the idea of a sharp tip extending past what is around it, whether that tip is a physical spike or a higher score.