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.
Nearby words
punctate keratitis, punctate keratoderma, punctatim, punctation, punctiform, punctilio, punctilious, punctual, punctuality, punctually, punctuate
Origin of punctilio
1590–1600; alteration of Italian puntiglio < Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto < Latin pūnctum point
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for punctilio
British Dictionary definitions 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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Word Origin and History for punctilio
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