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Webster 1913 Edition


Punctual

Punc′tu-al

,
Adj.
[F.
ponctuel
(cf. Sp.
puntual
, It.
puntuale
), from L.
punctum
point. See
Point
.]
1.
Consisting in a point; limited to a point; unextended.
[R.]
“This punctual spot.”
Milton.
The theory of the
punctual
existence of the soul.
Krauth.
2.
Observant of nice points; punctilious; precise.
Punctual
to tediousness in all that he relates.
Bp. Burnet.
So much on
punctual
niceties they stand.
C. Pitt.
3.
Appearing or done at, or adhering exactly to, a regular or an appointed time; precise; prompt;
as, a
punctual
man; a
punctual
payment
.
“The race of the undeviating and punctual sun.”
Cowper.
These sharp strokes [of a pendulum], with their inexorably steady intersections, so agree with our successive thoughts that they seem like the
punctual
stops counting off our very souls into the past.
J. Martineau.

Webster 1828 Edition


Punctual

PUNC'TUAL

,
Adj.
[L. punctum, a point.]
1.
Consisting in a point; as this punctual spot. [Little used.]
2.
Exact; observant of nice points; punctilious, particularly in observing time, appointments or promises. It is honorable in a man to be punctual to appointments, or to appointed hours; it is just to be punctual in paying debts.
3.
Exact; as a punctual correspondence between a prediction and an event.
4.
Done at the exact time; as punctual payment.

Definition 2024


punctual

punctual

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

punctual (comparative more punctual, superlative most punctual)

  1. prompt or on time
    1. (of an event) Happening at the appointed time
    2. (of a person) Acting at the appointed time
      Luis is never late; he's the most punctual person I know.
  2. (mathematics) Existing as a point or series of points
  3. (linguistics) Expressing momentary action that has no duration
  4. (nonstandard, Euro-English) Periodic; occasional.
    The management of the above mentioned feed sectors is subject to close co-operation with the Member States through [] punctual expert groups meetings where appropriate.

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • punctual in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • punctual in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911