punctate

adjective

punc·​tate ˈpəŋk-ˌtāt How to pronounce punctate (audio)
1
: marked with minute spots or depressions
a punctate leaf
2
: characterized by dots or points
punctate skin lesions
punctation
ˌpəŋk-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce punctate (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctate was circa 1760

Rhymes for punctate

See All Rhymes for punctate

Browse Nearby Words

Punctariales
punctate
punctated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punctate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

punctate

1 of 2 adjective
punc·​tate ˈpəŋ(k)-ˌtāt How to pronounce punctate (audio)
: characterized by dots or points
punctate skin lesions
punctation
ˌpəŋ(k)-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce punctate (audio)
noun

punctate

2 of 2 noun
: a punctate structure or area
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