interpunction

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Interpunction is a historical synonym for punctuation, derived from the Latin interpunctio ('a putting of points between'). While both words refer to the system of marks that structure written language, punctuation is the modern standard term used in schools, style guides, and everyday writing. Punctuation marks (or 'punctuation') refers to the individual symbols themselves — periods, commas, question marks — as distinct from other writing conventions. Interpunction is now extremely rare in general English; a modern writer would never choose it over punctuation except when describing ancient or medieval scribal practices. For example: 'The teacher explained the rules of punctuation to the class' (not interpunction); 'Medieval Irish scribes developed a distinctive system of interpunction using dots and strokes.'

Etymology

From Latin interpunctiō (stem interpunctiōn-), from inter- ('between') + pungere ('to prick, puncture') + -tiō (noun-forming suffix). In ancient Roman writing, a dot placed between words or syllables was called an interpunctum. The word entered English in the mid-16th century through French interponction, originally referring specifically to the practice of inserting dots between words in handwriting.