Pointer (rod)

For the electronic counterpart, see Laser pointer. For a computer input device with the same name, see Pointing stick.

A pointer or pointing stick is a solid rod used to point manually, in the form of a stick, but always finished off or artificially produced.

The typical pointer is simply a long, slender, often flexible stick made in a strong material, designed to indicate places on maps, words on blackboards etc. In addition it may be used like any ordinary stick for other purposes, e.g. for punitive caning (compare rulering).

Some are telescopic and can be carried in a pocket like a pen.