1. a point on the skin that is extremely sensitive to pressure because of the presence of pressure-sensing organs.
2. 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.
3. 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.
[ 1875-80 ]