pore

¹

[pawr, pohr]

verb (used without object)

pored, poring 

1. to read or study with steady attention or application.

   a scholar poring over a rare old manuscript.

2. to gaze earnestly or steadily.

   to pore over a painting.

3. to meditate or ponder intently (usually followed by over, on, orupon ).

   He pored over the strange events of the preceding evening.

   Synonyms: examine, peruse, scrutinize, ponder

pore

²

[pawr, pohr]

noun

1. a minute opening or orifice, as in the skin or a leaf, for perspiration, absorption, etc.

2. a minute interstice, as in a rock.

pore

¹

/ pɔː /

verb

1. (foll by over) to make a close intent examination or study (of a book, map, etc)

   he pored over the documents for several hours

2. to think deeply (about)

   he pored on the question of their future

3. rare,  to look earnestly or intently (at); gaze fixedly (upon)

pore

²

/ pɔː /

noun

1. anatomy zoology any small opening in the skin or outer surface of an animal

2. botany any small aperture, esp that of a stoma through which water vapour and gases pass

3. any other small hole, such as a space in a rock, soil, etc

pore

1. A tiny opening, as one in an animal's skin or on the surface of a plant leaf or stem, through which liquids or gases may pass.

2. A space in soil, rock, or loose sediment that is not occupied by mineral matter and allows the passage or absorption of fluids, such as water, petroleum, or air.

Other Word Forms

• porelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pore¹

1250–1300; Middle English pouren < ?

Origin of pore²

1350–1400; Middle English poore < Late Latin porus < Greek póros passage; emporium, ford

Word History and Origins

Origin of pore¹

C13 pouren; perhaps related to _peer ²

Origin of pore²

C14: from Late Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore

Example Sentences

The 21-year-old, born in a Paris suburb, may be basketball’s most worldly superstar, spending his free time playing chess, sketching and poring through 1,000-page novels.

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The 40-year-old infectious diseases physician at Massachusetts General Hospital pulled her first all-nighter since she was a medical resident to pore over papers, and worked into the late hours after her daughter’s second birthday.

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Kennedy spent the first weekend of September poring over acetaminophen studies and calling scientists.

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Economists, investors and policymakers usually spend the first Friday each month poring over the latest government jobs report.

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He pored over maps, laid down tracks and improved rail service tirelessly.

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