Marked or studded with tiny dots or puncta; minutely punctate.
In Botany now frequently in combination with modifying word, as pellucid-punctulate, punctulate-papillose, etc..
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. From punctule + -ate. Compare post-classical Latin punctulatus.
punctulate2
/ˈpʌŋ(k)tʃʊleɪt//ˈpʌŋ(k)tjʊleɪt/
ChieflyZoology and Botany
verb
[with object]To mark with small points or dots. Usually in pass. Compare punctulated.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Ash (1724–1779), lexicographer and grammarian. From punctule + -ate.