What is the meaning of the dot notation in chemistry?

[Mu naught]

Sorry this is a really basic question but I'm studying for a chemistry exam which spans about 4-5 chapters and I don't have time to spend re-reading them all trying to find out one little question...

Here is an example:

[PLAIN]http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/91/chemistryq.png

I don't understand what is meant by the "dot" 5H_2O. I don't know how to phrase my question so as to get an answer from google.

If someone could quickly reply and explain what's being asked it'd be a great help to me.

Thank you.

 

[dav2008]

The dot H₂O means the compound is hydrated:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrate#Inorganic_chemistry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_of_crystallization

 

[Mu naught]

The dot H₂O means the compound is hydrated:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrate#Inorganic_chemistry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_of_crystallization

Ah I see I knew it was simple, I must have glossed over that section of the book. Thank you.