pung-, punc-, punct-

(Latin: pungere, punctum to strike, to hit, to punch, to pierce, to puncture, to point, to sting, to bite; a dot, a mark; a point, a sharp point, a pinpoint)

These vocabulary roots have developed a confusing family of words which, on the surface, do not seem to be related; however, the entries in this unit really are derived from the roots and the meanings that appear in the headings of this unit.

puncture (verb), punctures; punctured; puncturing
1. To tear a hole in something; to pierce; to break through: When the nail punctured the balloon, it made a very loud popping sound!

Evidently a sharp object had punctured the car's tire, so Mike had to have it repaired before continuing his journey.
2. To cut short, to put an end to: After hearing the sad news about her friend, Amy's good humor and happiness were totally punctured

pundigrion (s) (noun), pundigrions (pl)
A very rare term for a pun; a play on words: Virginia found out that pundigrion, an obsolete word in current times, was last used about 200 years ago and died out when the term pun took over.
pundonor (s) (noun), pundonors (pl)
A point of honor: In the adventure story, a pondonor, a devotion to the queen and his beloved country characterized the knight on his way home from winning the battle.
pungency (s) (noun), pungencies (pl)
1. A sharp acrid sensation affecting the organs of taste or smell: The addition of garlic and chili peppers created the spiciness and pungency necessary for a wonderful spaghetti sauce!
2. A strong effect on the mind because of being clever and direct: The pungencies of the speaker caused many in the audience to think more than usual.
pungent (adjective), more pungent, most pungent
1. Descriptive of the powerful and intense smell or taste of something: The spaghetti sauce had a very pungent taste because of the amount of cumin and ginger which was added to it!
2. Pertaining to a vivid impression on the mind due to being bright and straightforward: Jane had very pungent memories of being on the farm in her childhood. The most moving recollection was being chased down the driveway by a cow when she was only three years old!
Referring to something that causes a sharp sensation; such as, a smell, taste, or feeling.
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punster (s) (noun), punsters (pl)
An individual who likes to make puns: At the party, the punsters enjoyed the game of word play until everyone groaned!
punt (s) (noun), punts (pl)
A narrow boat that is flat-bottomed and square at the ends: Jack and Jill had a lot of fun on the punt and used a long pole to move back to the dock at the lakeside.
punt (verb), punts; punted; punting
1. To kick a ball dropped by the hands before it hits the ground: The players were punting to each other during practice in advance of their next soccer game.
2. To give up on something: Simon said, "We can't settle this problem now, so let's punt it and talk about the next issue on the agenda."
3. To propel a boat by using a pole: It was the first time for Jeff to use a long pole to punt along in the special boat he made, which was a punt!
punter (s) (noun), punters (pl)
1. An individual who uses a long pole in boating: The guy who was the punter of the flat-bottomed boat turned out to be excellent and mastered all of the tricks involved!
2. A player who kicks the ball before it lands on the ground: The best punter of the soccer team was Jill's boyfriend Jeff.
3. A person who gambles; gambler: Mr. Cash, the punter, took his chances in the online casinos on the Isle of Man.
pyropuncture (s) (noun), pyropunctures (pl)
Physical treatment by puncture of a body part with hot needles: The specialist used the method of pyropuncture for draining the pus from the abscess.
reappoint (verb), reappoints; reappointed; reappointing
To specify a person for a position for a second time: Because Jack did such a wonderful job as secretary of the club, he was appointed for a subsequent year.
reappointment (s) (noun), reappointments (pl)
The condition of being placed in office again: Mandy was told that certain officials, like appointed judges, were not entitled or qualified for reappointment.
renipuncture (s) (noun), renipunctures (pl)
A surgical puncture of the renal capsule of the kidney: Mrs. Green was told that a renipuncture had to be performed on the perirenal fat covering the kidney due to her serious medical condition.
repugnable (adjective), more repugnable, most repugnable
Subject to being opposed, contended against, or resisted: The outcome of the election was certainly repugnable, disputed, and challenged by the republican leader of the USA.
repugnance (s) (noun), repugnances (pl)
1. A very strong feeling of dislike or disgust about something or someone; revulsion: They felt nothing but repugnance for the terror group's violent history.
2. An extreme aversion to something or someone; loathing: Lynn has a total repugnance, disgust, and abhorrence towards men who mishandle and abuse their wives or other women.

Cross references of word families that are related directly, or indirectly, to: "sour, sharp": acerb-; aceto-; acid-; acies- (not "sour"); acuto- (not "sour"); oxy-.