punctum
Small anatomical opening
A punctum is the small, arresting detail in an image that pierces the viewer—a concept from photography theory describing elements that create unexpected emotional impact beyond the image's general content.
In anatomy, punctum refers to a tiny opening or point, particularly the small holes in the inner corners of the eyelids where tears drain: The ophthalmologist examined the puncta for blockage.
Image from a camera
- detailSingle small element
- woundCoiled, or an injury
- prickPierce lightly with point
- affectProduce change upon
viewer · emotional · piercing · contingency · accident · poignant · arresting · striking
Pointed implement for sewing
- prickPierce lightly with point
- stingSharp wound from insect
- perforateMake holes through
- pierceMake hole through
pinpoint · wound · mark · hole · aperture · opening · lesion · incision
Of tear production
- tear ductEye's fluid drainage channel
- eyelidMovable ocular covering
- drainageLiquid removal system
- ocularOf the organ of sight
ophthalmic · meatus · orifice · caruncle
Reasoned case or dispute
- emphasisStress given to something
- periodPunctuation ending sentences
- full stopTerminal punctuation mark
- conclusionEnd or deduction
termination · finality · end · closure · sentence · grammatical
photograph
Image from a camera
affect · viewer · emotional · piercing · contingency · accident · poignant · arresting · striking · personal
needle
Pointed implement for sewing
pierce · pinpoint · wound · mark · hole · aperture · opening · lesion · incision · stigma
lacrimal
Of tear production
ocular · ophthalmic · meatus · orifice · caruncle
argument
Reasoned case or dispute
- emphasisStress given to something
- periodPunctuation ending sentences
- full stopTerminal punctuation mark
conclusion · termination · finality · end · closure · sentence · grammatical
- punctuation markWritten symbol guiding reading
- puncture woundInjury from piercing object
- punctured lungBreached breathing organ
- puncture resistanceCapacity to prevent piercing
- punctuation errorMisplaced or missing marks
- punctuation rulesGuidelines for textual marks
puncture, punctual, punctuate, punctuation, punctured, punctilious, compunction, acupuncture, puncturing