@code{(@var{a} .@: @var{b})} stands for a cons cell whose @sc{car} is
the object @var{a}, and whose @sc{cdr} is the object @var{b}. Dotted
pair notation is therefore more general than list syntax. In the dotted
-pair notation, the list @samp{(1 2 3)} is written as @samp{(1 . (2 . (3
+pair notation, the list @samp{(1 2 3)} is written as @samp{(1 . (2 . (3
. nil)))}. For @code{nil}-terminated lists, you can use either
notation, but list notation is usually clearer and more convenient.
When printing a list, the dotted pair notation is only used if the
@example
(setq alist-of-colors
- '((rose . red) (lily . white) (buttercup . yellow)))
+ '((rose . red) (lily . white) (buttercup . yellow)))
@end example
@noindent