I. puncta
plural of punctum
II. punc·ta ˈpəŋ(k)tə noun
( plural punc·tae -)ˌtē)
Etymology: New Latin, from Late Latin, pricking, puncture, from punctus, past participle of pungere to prick — more at pungent
: any of various thin places arranged in characteristic pattern in the frustule wall of pennate diatoms — compare areole