Emily Dickinson Lexicon

point, n. [Fr. < L. punct-um, that which is pricked, prick, dot, point in writing, point in space, point of time, small measure, particular of a discourse or L. pungěre < poindre, to prick, pierce.] (webplay: fear, point of death, prove, sharp).

1. Question; argument; problem; matter; difficult situation.
2. Meaning; purpose; reason; explanation; significance; message; theme; moral; [fig.] resolution; outcome; denouement.
3. Degree; extent; magnitude; [fig.] sharpness; poignancy; cruelty; severity; intensity.