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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• imperforation noun

Etymology

Origin of imperforate

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

Example Sentences

As the Chicago Tribune reported in 1940, stamp collectors saw Farley’s use of the imperforate sheets as a “betrayal” of the people who loved stamps most.

From Time

Yet the catalog value of the latter is $2.50 against 36 cents for the wove paper imperforate alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Although made and approved, this stamp is said to have been withheld from issue in this imperforate condition.

From Project Gutenberg

The acetabulum for the head of the femur is imperforate, being a simple oval basin, as in Chelonian reptiles and the higher Mammals.

From Project Gutenberg

One female trapped on February 19, 1950, weighed only 140 grams and was still imperforate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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