imperforate

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

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

/ -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

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperforate¹

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

The abnormal varieties in this series are of course the imperforate ones, and of these we present cuts of a full set in blocks of four, numbered 100 to 105 on Plate IX.

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