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 /

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

²

/ 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

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

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

Origin of pore²

C13 pouren; perhaps related to _peer ²

Example Sentences

The Pew study pored over residential fire deaths across New York City in 2012-24 and found that the fatality rate in single-stair buildings was both low and equal to other residential structures.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"England's batting will have to be pored over and looked at."

Read more on Barron's

Using its pores for filtration, the stationary sponge creates its own currents to siphon its prey—as it must, if it is to feed and remain motionless.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Apatow includes memorabilia—marked-up scripts, magazine interviews—from virtually everything he’s worked on, and the reader’s pleasure comes from poring over cherished mementos from such a prolific, occasionally manic, life as a collaborative artist.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Antitrust regulators are expected to pore over any deal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times