interpunction (n.)

"punctuation, a point inserted in writing," 1610s, from Latin interpunctionem (nominative interpunctio) "a putting of points between (words), division by points," noun of action from past participle stem of interpungere "to put points between," from inter "between" (see inter-) + pungere "to prick, pierce" (from suffixed form of PIE root *peuk- "to prick").