See Also: punctuation(dictionary)
punctuation(encyclopedia)
punctuation(dictionary)
punctuation codon(medicine)
punctuation mark(dictionary)
PUNCTUATION, construction(law)

punctuation (iou)



punctuation noun. M16.
[medieval Latin punctuatio(n-), formed as PUNCTUATE verb: see -ATION.]
The pointing of the psalms. rare. M16-L18.
The insertion of points indicating vowels etc. in Hebrew and other Semitic writing; the system of such points. M17.
The practice, method, or skill of inserting points or marks in writing or printing, in order to aid the sense; division of text into sentences, clauses, etc., by means of such marks; the system used for this; such marks collectively. Also, observance of appropriate pauses in reading or speaking. M17.
Dylan Thomas The punctuation in both stories is abominable, and makes nonsense of..the sentences. L. Duncan You have a grasp of grammar and punctuation.
b. fig. Repeated occurrence or distribution at regular intervals; something that makes repeated interruptions or divisions. E20.
H. Braun Vertical punctuation is..achieved by the pilasters. Times Stages in a continuous process rather than punctuations in an otherwise stable history.
c. Biology. An episode of rapid speciation; the occurrence of such episodes, as described by the theory of punctuated equilibrium. L20.
Chiefly Zoology. = PUNCTATION 2. M19.
Comb.: punctuation mark any of the marks (e.g. full stop, comma, semicolon) used in writing and printing to separate sentences, phrases, etc., and to clarify meaning.