punctilio
[ puhngk-til-ee-oh ]
/ pʌŋkˈtɪl iˌoʊ /
noun, plural punc·til·i·os for 1.
a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities or amenities.
RELATED WORDS
ceremony, nicety, code, protocol, form, formality, mores, decorum, civility, customs, refinement, courtesy, politesse, convention, dignity, rules, formalities
Nearby words
- punctate keratitis,
- punctate keratoderma,
- punctatim,
- punctation,
- punctiform,
- punctilious,
- punctual,
- punctuality,
- punctually,
- punctuate
Origin of punctilio
1590–1600; alteration of Italian puntiglio < Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto < Latin pūnctum point
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for punctilio
punctilio
/ (pʌŋkˈtɪlɪˌəʊ) /
noun plural -os
strict attention to minute points of etiquette
a petty formality or fine point of etiquette
Word Origin for punctilio
C16: from Italian puntiglio small point, from punto point, from Latin punctum point
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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punctilio
1590s, "point," also "detail of action," from Italian puntiglio or Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto "point" (see point (n.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper