— punctually , adv. — punctualness , n.
/pungk"chooh euhl/ , adj.
1. strictly observant of an appointed or regular time; not late; prompt.
2. made, occurring, etc., at the scheduled or proper time: punctual payment.
3. pertaining to or of the nature of a point.
4. punctilious.
[ 1350-1400; ME punctualis of a point, equiv. to L punctu ( s ) a point, a pricking ( pung ( ere ) to prick + -tus suffix of v. action) + -alis -AL 1 ; see PUNGENT ]