cursor

1. A graphic pointer used with a mouse to point to a location on a terminal screen.
2. An internal pointer to a record in a table which provides a mechanism for processing a selected set of records. The cursor is moved one by one through the set while operations such as display, query and update are performed.

A visual representation of the current position of the mouse on the user's virtual desktop. Cursor shapes are often set to represent the current state of a program - using an hour glass shape to indicate that the user should wait - or to suggest the actions that are possible by clicking the mouse over some part of a user interface.

A movable, visible mark used to indicate a position of interest on a display surface. Note: A cursor may have a controllable shape, such as an underline, a rectangle, or a pointer and usually indicates where the next character or graphic will be entered or revised.