centred dot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “centred dot” mean?
A typographical symbol (·) used for various purposes such as multiplication, separation of items in a list, or indicating a break in a word.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A typographical symbol (·) used for various purposes such as multiplication, separation of items in a list, or indicating a break in a word.
In typography and computing, a small, raised dot used as a punctuation mark, a decimal point in some countries, a bullet point, or a separator in digital data strings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'centred' is British; American English uses 'centered dot'. The symbol itself and its functions are identical across regions.
Connotations
Neutral technical term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, used in specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “centred dot” in a Sentence
The list items are separated [BY a centred dot].You need to insert [OBJECT a centred dot] between the syllables.The formula uses a centred dot [FOR multiplication].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centred dot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You should centre the dot vertically.
- The text was centred and dotted for clarity.
American English
- Make sure to center the dot properly.
- They centered and dotted the list items.
adverb
British English
- The items were listed centred-dot style.
- He typed the code centred-dot carefully.
American English
- Enter the data centered-dot style.
- She formatted it centered-dot correctly.
adjective
British English
- Please use the centred-dot character here.
- We need a centred-dot separator.
American English
- The centered-dot notation is standard.
- Use a centered-dot list format.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical specifications for document formatting.
Academic
Used in linguistics papers discussing syllabification, or in mathematics/physics texts as a multiplication symbol.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Common in typography, typesetting, computing (e.g., in URLs or product codes), and mathematics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centred dot”
- Confusing it with a colon or semicolon.
- Using a lowercase 'o' or a zero instead of the proper symbol.
- Placing it on the baseline like a regular period.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0183 (on the numeric keypad). On Mac, press Option+Shift+9. It can also be found in the 'Insert Symbol' menu of word processors.
They are visually similar and often the same glyph, but a 'bullet point' is a formatting role for lists, while a 'centred dot' describes the symbol's position and can have other functions (multiplication, separator).
Use a centred dot to separate items in a horizontal list within a sentence (e.g., 'red·blue·green') or to indicate a syllable break. Use a hyphen to join compound words or for line-breaking.
The most common centred dot is Unicode character U+00B7, named 'MIDDLE DOT'.
A typographical symbol (·) used for various purposes such as multiplication, separation of items in a list, or indicating a break in a word.
Centred dot is usually technical, formal in register.
Centred dot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsentəd ˈdɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsentərd ˈdɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dot that has been carefully 'centred' on the line, not at the bottom like a period.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEED or POINT OF FOCUS that creates separation or connection between elements.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you MOST likely encounter a centred dot?