1. A small dot, point, or mark; a tiny spot or puncture.
Usage: Latin origin; used in English primarily in technical, medical, or academic contexts
2. In anatomy, a small opening or aperture, especially the opening of a tear duct in the eyelid.
Usage: medical/anatomical term
3. In semiotics and media theory, the element of a photograph or image that pierces or wounds the viewer emotionally.
Usage: academic/theoretical term; from Roland Barthes' concept

Examples

• The surgeon identified the punctum on the eyelid before performing the procedure.
• A single punctum of light appeared in the darkness.
• In Barthes' theory, the punctum of a photograph is what makes it personally meaningful to the viewer.
• The microscope revealed a tiny punctum on the specimen.
• The photograph's punctum—a child's expression—moved her to tears.