punc·tum \ˈpəŋ(k)təm\noun (pluralpunc·ta \-tə\) Etymology: Latin, puncture, point — more at point 1.obsolete: point 2.: a small area marked off in any way from a surrounding surface : dot, puncture < a punctum in a fossil shell > < insect bites … may show the central tiny hemorrhagic punctum — Journal American Medical Association > 3.: a neume indicating a single note which is usually higher than that preceding