deixis

noun

deix·​is ˈdīk-sis 

 also  ˈdāk-

plural deixes ˈdīk-ˌsēz 

 also  ˈdāk-

: the pointing or specifying function of some words (such as definite articles and demonstrative pronouns) whose denotation changes from one discourse to another

Word History

Etymology

Greek, literally, display, from deiknynai to show — more at diction

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above