Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 9, 2023 is: juncture \JUNK-cher\ noun

Juncture refers to an important point in a process or activity, or to a [junction](https://merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junction), that is, a place where things join.

// "At this juncture in the editing process," said Philip, "it is important that all facts have been double-checked and sources verified."

// At the juncture of the two rivers sits a large beaver's dam.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juncture)

Examples:

"At a key juncture in the play, the visual environment is transformed into rippling waves of energy that creates a dreamlike effect." — Don Aucoin, The Boston Globe, 21 July 2023

Did you know?

Join us as we journey into the history of juncture, a word that’s neither junky nor [janky](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/janky), but just dandy. Juncture comes from the Latin verb jungere ("to join") and has many English relatives including not only [join](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/join) and [junction](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junction) but also [conjugal](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjugal) ("relating to marriage") and [junta](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junta) ("a group of persons controlling a government"). The use of juncture in English dates back to the 14th century, when it meant "a place where two or more things are joined." By the 17th century it could also refer to an important point in a process or activity.