What is the name of this symbol "·"?
The symbol "·" is most accurately and formally named the interpunct. This specific term, derived from the Latin *interpunctum* meaning "a point between," denotes its primary function as a small dot used to separate items, most recognizably in contexts like itemized lists or to indicate a multiplication operation in advanced mathematics. While it is visually similar to other dot-like glyphs, the interpunct occupies a distinct Unicode code point (U+00B7) and possesses a specific typographical role, setting it apart from the period or decimal point. Its name is precise and avoids the ambiguity of more colloquial terms, anchoring it firmly in the lexicon of typography, linguistics, and technical writing.
In practical application, the interpunct serves several critical, domain-specific functions. In linguistics, it is used to separate syllables in phonetic transcriptions or to denote a morpheme boundary. In mathematics and the sciences, it is the standard symbol for the scalar product or dot product of vectors, and it can signify multiplication, particularly in higher-level notations where the standard "x" might be confused with a variable. Furthermore, in digital contexts and cataloging, it often acts as a visual separator in run-in lists, such as in bibliographic entries or metadata tags (e.g., "author·title·date"), providing clarity without the heaviness of a bullet point. Its utility lies in this intermediary nature—it creates a pause or distinction that is stronger than a space but less forceful than a comma or period.
However, the symbol is frequently, and understandably, referred to by other names depending on regional usage and professional context. Common alternatives include the middle dot, the centered dot, or the dot operator. In British English, the term "interpoint" is occasionally used. The name "interpunct" remains the most technically correct and unambiguous, especially in formal writing, publishing, and computing standards. Confusion often arises because the same glyph can be produced by different keys or character entities; for instance, on many keyboards, the period key may produce a visually similar but typographically distinct mark, and in HTML, both `·` and `⋅` exist for related but semantically different symbols.
The choice of nomenclature carries implications for clear communication, particularly in technical documentation, international software localization, and academic publishing. Using the specific term "interpunct" eliminates potential ambiguity in instructions for typesetting, coding, or phonetic analysis. While the more generic names are widely understood in everyday conversation, recognizing "interpunct" as the primary designation is essential for precision in professional and scholarly environments where the exact function and encoding of a symbol are material to the task at hand.