punctate

1 of 2

adjective

punc·​tate ˈpəŋk-ˌtāt 

1

: marked with minute spots or depressions

a punctate leaf

2

: characterized by dots or points

punctate skin lesions

punctation

ˌpəŋk-ˈtā-shən 

noun

punctation

2 of 2

noun

punc·​ta·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)ˈtāshən 

plural -s

1

: the action of making punctate, perforated, or marked by points or dots : the condition of being punctate

2

: a minute spot or depression (as on a plant, animal, or piece of pottery)

3

civil law : a preliminary statement in writing presenting matters proposed to be put into a contemplated contract

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin punctatus, from Latin punctum point — more at point

Noun

Medieval Latin punctatus (past participle of punctare to point, from Latin punctum) + English -ion

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for punctate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Medical Definition

punctate

1 of 2 adjective

punc·​tate ˈpəŋ(k)-ˌtāt 

: characterized by dots or points

punctate skin lesions

punctation

ˌpəŋ(k)-ˈtā-shən 

noun

punctate

2 of 2 noun

: a punctate structure or area