Context clues are hints that point to the meaning of a word.
Context clues refer to hints or information within a text that can help readers determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word or understand the overall message or idea being conveyed. In other words, context clues provide contextual information that aids in interpreting and understanding the text. Based on the given options, the correct description of context clues is "hints that point to the meaning of a word." Context clues help readers make educated guesses about the definition of a word by considering the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraphs in which the word is used. By analyzing the context, readers can infer the intended meaning of an unfamiliar word.