imperforate

American  

[im-pur-fer-it, -fuh-reyt] / ɪmˈpɜr fər ɪt, -fəˌreɪt /

adjective

1. Also imperforated not perforate; having no perforation.

2. Philately. (of a number of stamps joined together) lacking the perforations usually separating individual stamps.

---

noun

1. an imperforate stamp.

imperforate British  

/ -ˌreɪt, ɪmˈpɜːfərɪt /

adjective

1. not perforated

2.  imperf.  (of a postage stamp) not provided with perforation or any other means of separation Compare perforate

3. anatomy (of a bodily part, such as the anus) without the normal opening

---

Other Word Forms

• imperforation noun

Etymology

Origin of imperforate

First recorded in 1665–75; im- ² + perforate

Example Sentences

Unused imperforate copies exist of all values in the following shades— Imperforate �d. grey-green. " 1d. pale crimson. " 2d. orange-yellow.

From Gambia by Melville, Frederick John

The labels were normally perforated the usual 12, but the same journal for April 13, 1892 reports that a whole sheet had been seen in an imperforate condition.

From Canada: Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery by Howes, Clifton Armstrong

Anoestrus females are imperforate, and a vaginal orifice is present only during an active oestral cycle or in pregnancy.

From Aspects of Reproduction and Development in the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) by Fitch, Henry S.

Attempts are, however, made to palm off trimmed reprints as imperforate specimens.

From History of the Postage Stamps of the United States of America by Tiffany, John Kerr

Hare-lip, cleft palate, hernia and imperforate anus are physical abnormalities which are interesting to the surgeon rather than to the pathologist.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various

Related Words

• flawless
• perfect
• unblemished
• unbroken
• unharmed
• unhurt
• unscathed
• untouched