— punctuator , n.
/pungk"chooh ayt'/ , v. , punctuated, punctuating .
v.t.
1. to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
2. to interrupt at intervals: Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.
3. to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.
v.i.
4. to insert or use marks of punctuation.
[ 1625-35; punctuatus (ptp. of punctuare to point), deriv. of L punctus a pricking; see PUNCTUAL ]