punct/pung

point; prick

Spelled punct, pung · pungere 'prick'; punctum 'a prick, point'

Latin pungere meant to prick: a puncture leaves a hole, pungent smells sting, and compunction is a prick of conscience.

Words built from it

puncture — a small hole made by a sharp object
punct (prick) + -ure (action or result)
punctual — arriving or happening at the appointed time
punct (point) + -al (relating to)
punctilious — very careful about rules, manners, and small details
punct (point) + -il (small) + -ious (characterized by)
pungent — having a sharply strong smell, taste, or effect
pung (prick) + -ent (doing)
compunction — a troubled feeling of guilt about doing something wrong
com- (thoroughly) + punct (prick) + -ion (action or result)
expunge — erase or remove completely, especially from a record
ex- (out) + pung (prick)
acupuncture — a treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin
acu (needle) + punct (prick) + -ure (action or result)