Punctuate definition

pŭngkcho͝o-āt

Words form:

Frequency:

To stress or emphasize.

verb

To use punctuation.

verb

To emphasize; accentuate.

verb

To provide (a text) with punctuation marks.

verb

To occur or interrupt periodically.

verb

To use punctuation marks.

verb

To insert a punctuation mark or marks in.

verb

To break in on here and there; interrupt.

A speech punctuated with applause.

verb

That occurrence of "its" needs to be punctuated.

verb

To add or to interrupt at regular intervals.

The pristine lawn was punctuated only by the single apple tree in the centre.

verb

verb

Origin of punctuate

Medieval Latin pūnctuāre pūnctuāt- from Latin pūnctum point from neuter past participle of pungere to prick peuk- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Medieval Latin punctuare (“to mark with points"), from Latin punctus, perfect passive participle of pungō (“I prick, punch"); see point, and compare punch and punctate.

From Wiktionary