perforate

American  

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

verb (used with object)

perforated, perforating

1. to make a hole or holes through by boring, punching, piercing, or the like.

2. to pierce through or to the interior of; penetrate.

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verb (used without object)

perforated, perforating

1. to make a way through or into something; penetrate.

adjective

1. perforated.

perforate British  

/ ˈpɜːfərəbəl /

verb

1. to make a hole or holes in (something); penetrate

2. (tr) to punch rows of holes between (stamps, coupons, etc) for ease of separation

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adjective

1. biology

   1. pierced by small holes

      perforate shells

   2. marked with small transparent spots

2. philately another word for perforated

Other Word Forms

• multiperforate adjective
• nonperforating adjective
• perforable adjective
• perforative adjective
• perforator noun
• unperforable adjective
• unperforating adjective
• unperforative adjective

Etymology

Origin of perforate

1530–40; < Latin perforātus, past participle of perforāre to bore ² through; per-

Example Sentences

She started by securing the property’s front entrance with recycled perforated screens and new landscaping.

From Los Angeles Times

In her two-minute video, Jackson explained that the “really loud whistle” from her nose comes from her perforated septum.

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of pasta formats, made with flour from the company’s own mill, are shaped by traditional bronze dies, or perforated disks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Outside is a system of perforated, weathering steel panels, adding a layer of fire resistance while introducing shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.

From Los Angeles Times

I started doing research into really nerdy stuff, and the perforated walls you see in the dark corridors are shipping pallets.”

From Salon

Related Words

• puncture