A small dot placed inside a Hebrew letter to modify its pronunciation, making it harder and more emphatic.
From Hebrew dāgēš meaning 'point' or 'prick,' ultimately from a root meaning to pierce or mark. Used in Hebrew grammar since medieval times to clarify pronunciation.
This tiny dot completely changes how Hebrew sounds—it's like the punctuation system discovered that adding nothing but a point can multiply meaning, which inspired modern diacritic systems worldwide!
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