1. Applied to any structure that is marked by pores or by very small, point-like depressions.

2. Applied to a type of brachiopod (Brachiopoda) shell structure in which fine pores (punctae) extend from the inner to the outer surface. Three main shell types are recognized: impunctate, where the shell consists of an outer, lamellar layer of shell and an inner, fibrous layer; punctate (or endopunctate), in which the punctae extend through the shell and end beneath the organic periostracum; and pseudopunctate, in which solid rods of calcite (taleolae) are contained in the fibrous layer.