perforate

[pur-fuh-reyt, pur-fer-it, -fuh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

perforated, perforating 

1. to make a hole or holes through by boring, punching, piercing, or the like.

2. to pierce through or to the interior of; penetrate.

verb (used without object)

perforated, perforating 

1. to make a way through or into something; penetrate.

adjective

1. perforated.

perforate

/ ˈpɜːfərəbəl /

verb

1. to make a hole or holes in (something); penetrate

2. (tr) to punch rows of holes between (stamps, coupons, etc) for ease of separation

adjective

1. biology

   1. pierced by small holes

      perforate shells

   2. marked with small transparent spots

2. philately another word for perforated

Other Word Forms

• perforable adjective
• perforative adjective
• perforator noun
• multiperforate adjective
• nonperforating adjective
• unperforable adjective
• unperforating adjective
• unperforative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perforate¹

1530–40; < Latin perforātus, past participle of perforāre to bore ² through; per-

Word History and Origins

Origin of perforate¹

C16: from Latin perforāre, from per- through + forāre to pierce

Example Sentences

She had been trying to escape her relationship with Charron, who had perforated her eardrum in an earlier attack, and she had taken out a restraining order against him.

From Los Angeles Times

I started doing research into really nerdy stuff, and the perforated walls you see in the dark corridors are shipping pallets.”

From Salon

With interior chambers lined with perforated metal walls, the contraption somewhat resembles a fast-food restaurant’s deep fryer.

From Los Angeles Times

Appendicitis, especially with a perforated appendix, is dangerous and can lead to complications including septicemia and peritonitis, the Cleveland Clinic says.

From Los Angeles Times

Pickleball is similar to tennis except the court is smaller, the ball is plastic and perforated and the paddles are not as big as tennis rackets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• puncture