punctum temporis

== Latin == === Etymology === Literally, "point of time". === Pronunciation === (Classical Latin) IPA(key): [ˈpuːŋk.tũː ˈtɛm.pɔ.rɪs] (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): [ˈpuŋk.tum ˈtɛm.po.ris] === Noun === pūnctum temporis n (genitive pūnctī temporis); second declension instant, moment second (unit of time) ==== Usage notes ==== The meaning of "a brief period of time" is classic, but the meaning referring to the unit of time appears in later Latin, after the establishment of measured time. ==== Declension ==== Second-declension noun (neuter) with an indeclinable portion.