pressure point

noun

a point on the skin that is extremely sensitive to pressure because of the presence of pressure-sensing organs.
a point on the body where relatively slight pressure serves to press an artery lying close to the surface against underlying bony tissue, so as to arrest the flow of blood into a part.
a sensitive, crucial area or issue against which concerted persuasion or pressure tactics can be wielded to produce a desired result: Lobbyists attempt to find the pressure points of government.

Origin of pressure point

First recorded in 1875–80

Words nearby pressure point

pressure group, pressure head, pressure hull, pressure ice, pressure paralysis, pressure point, pressure reversal, pressure ridge, pressure sense, pressure sore, pressure suit

Example sentences from the Web for pressure point

British Dictionary definitions for pressure point

pressure point

noun

any of several points on the body above an artery that, when firmly pressed, will control bleeding from the artery at a point farther away from the heart

Medical definitions for pressure point

pressure point

n.

Any of the various locations on the body where pressure may be applied to control bleeding.
A point that is extremely sensitive to the application of pressure.