punct
Latinpoint, dot, mark
About This Root
From Latin punctum (point, dot), from pungere (to prick, sting). The 'sharp point' sense extends from literal (puncture, acupuncture) to precise marking (punctual, punctuate, punctuation) to emotional sharpness (poignant, compunction). Appoint originally meant 'to fix to a point' in time.
Associated Words · 12
point
a specific location or idea; a score unit; to indicate direction
appointment
A scheduled meeting; the act of assigning someone to a position
appoint
To officially assign someone to a position; to fix a time or place
punctuate
To add punctuation to text; to interrupt or emphasize at intervals
poignant
Deeply moving or emotionally distressing
puncture
A hole made by a sharp object, especially in a tyre; to pierce or make a hole
acupuncture
A medical treatment using needles inserted at specific body points
punctuation
Marks used in writing to clarify meaning and separate sentences
expunge
To erase or completely remove from a record
punctual
Arriving or acting exactly on time
compunction
A feeling of guilt or regret about one's actions
pointed
Having a sharp tip; (of remarks) direct and clearly aimed