Punctum
/ˈpʌŋktəm/noun
A small point, spot, or distinct point of focus, especially in anatomy, art criticism, or philosophy.
Did you know?In Roland Barthes’s theory of photography, the punctum is the unexpected detail that emotionally “wounds” or pierces the viewer.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peug-
“To prick, stab, or strike”
Classical Latin
Latin
pungere
“To prick, pierce, or sting”
Classical Latin
Latin
punctus
“Pricked, pierced, or marked with a point”
Classical Latin
Latin
punctum
“A prick, point, or small spot”
Late Latin
Latin
punctum
“A point or mark; a grammatical or measured point”
17th Century
English
punctum
“A technical term for a point or small anatomical structure”
Modern English
English
punctum
“A point, spot, or emotionally arresting detail, especially in anatomy and photography”
Explore more surprising origins