punctum
/ˈpʌŋ(k)təm
/noun (plural puncta /ˈpʌŋ(k)tə/) technical
1A small, distinct point.Barthes writes, ‘However lightning-like it may be, the punctum has, more or less potentially, a power of expansion.’...
- In view of the history of recurring meningitis, search of the child's skin then showed a small punctum in the back of the neck.
- For Barthes, the catastrophe is unavoidable because time obliterates the punctum, or small space, registered in the photograph.
1.1 Anatomy The opening of a tear duct.Goins explained that each eyelid has one punctum, a tiny opening that drains tears away from the eye....
- This incision is made on the medial aspect of the puncta and anterior to the lacrimal duct probes.
- This serves to elevate the lower lid and reposition the lacrimal punctum with significant improvement in tear drainage and distribution.
Origin
Late 16th century (figuratively, denoting a point): from Latin, literally 'a point'.