borer

[ bawr-er, bohr- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that bores or pierces.
2. Machinery. a tool used for boring; auger.
3. Zoology.
   1. any of several insects that bore into trees, fruits, etc., especially a beetle that bores into the woody part of plants.
   2. any of various mollusks, worms, etc., that bore into wood, stone, coral, or shells.
4. a marsipobranch fish, as a hagfish, that bores into other fishes to feed on their flesh.

borer

/ ˈbɔːrə /

noun

1. a machine or hand tool for boring holes
2. See rock borer, marine borer, corn borer, woodborer
   any of various insects, insect larvae, molluscs, or crustaceans that bore into rock or plant material, esp wood See also woodborer corn borer marine borer rock borer

Word History and Origins

Origin of borer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; bore ², -er ¹

Example Sentences

He was surrounded by armour, treasure, and various implements, including the fire-borer.

From Project Gutenberg

The 5⁄8-inch pipe is tapped with the tap borer in the center.

From Project Gutenberg

The rockets were slowly cut; the borer jarred at the bottom of its hole; again the disintegrators droned out.

From Project Gutenberg

His attention was drawn to the borer, now dimly illuminated by its portable light, which had been secured to the door.

From Project Gutenberg

He started slowly around the borer, found a long narrow door slightly ajar, and stepped inside.

From Project Gutenberg