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punctuate (v.)
in reference to writing and printing, "to indicate pauses or stops by conventional signs" called points or marks of punctuation, 1818, probably a back-formation from punctuation. Hence, figuratively, "interrupt at intervals" (1833); "to emphasize by some significant or forceful action" (1883). Related: Punctuated; punctuating. An earlier, rare or isolated use, of the word in the sense of "to point out" is attested from 1630s, from Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare, from Latin punctus.
updated on February 04, 2021
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Dictionary entries near punctuate
punctator
punctilio
punctilious
punctual
punctuality
punctuate
punctuation
puncture
pundit
pungency
pungent