stylus (sty¦lus)

noun (plural styli /-lʌɪ, -liː/ or styluses)

• 1a hard point, typically of diamond or sapphire, following a groove in a record and transmitting the recorded sound for reproduction.
• a similar point producing a groove in a record when recording sound.

• 2an ancient writing implement, consisting of a small rod with a pointed end for scratching letters on wax-covered tablets, and a blunt end for obliterating them.
• an implement of similar shape used especially for engraving and tracing.
• a pen-like device used to input handwritten text or drawings directly into a computer.