point
1. One thousandth of an inch. The point is used in
expressing the thickness of paper or board, as
well as other materials, but not leather. See: LEATHER SUBSTANCE
TABLE . 2. The expression of certain values of
the properties of paper, e.g., points per pound,
or pounds per point. 3. The unit of measure for
printer's type. A point is approximately 1/72
inch, 12-point type, for example, being 12/72 or
1/6 inch in body. One inch equals 72.25433 points,
while 72 points equal 0.9962 inch. The width of a
line of type (or "measure") is determined in pica
(12-point) ems. The depth of a page of type is
similarly measured in picas or ems. 4. A book
collector's term for a particular characteristic
of text, type, form, etc., that distinguishes
states, issues, and editions from one another. 5.
A thin piece of metal with a point projecting from
one end, and secured at its other end to the
tympans of some printing presses; it is used to
insure accurate register in feeding. 6. A mark or
hole made on or in sheets in printing to serve as
a guide in folding. (17 , 42 , 156 )
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