nounplural noun puncta/ˈpəNG(k)tə/ /ˈpəŋ(k)tə/

• 1 technical A small, distinct point.

  ‘Barthes writes, ‘However lightning-like it may be, the punctum has, more or less potentially, a power of expansion.’’

  More example sentences

  • ‘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. 1.1Anatomy The opening of a tear duct.
     ‘Goins explained that each eyelid has one punctum, a tiny opening that drains tears away from the eye.’
     More example sentences

     • ‘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.’
     • ‘In severe cases, occlusion of the lacrimal drainage puncta or tarsorrhaphy will be necessary.’
     • ‘They drain out of the eyes through two ducts called punctum or lacrimal ducts, one on each of the upper and lower lids.’