pore

¹ American  

[pawr, pohr] / pɔr, poʊr /

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 ² American  

[pawr, pohr] / pɔr, poʊr /

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 ¹ British  

/ 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 ² British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ pôr /

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

Etymology

Origin of pore¹

1350–1400; Middle English poore < Late Latin porus < Greek póros passage; emporium, ford

Origin of pore¹

1250–1300; Middle English pouren < ?

Example Sentences

When the SpaceX IPO arrives, investors will pore over estimates for its more tangible businesses, such as launch services and Starlink’s space-based broadband product, which has more than 9 million customers External link.

From Barron's

These microscopic pores act like adjustable valves, letting carbon dioxide enter the leaf for photosynthesis while allowing water vapor to escape into the air.

From Science Daily

Fed officials most certainly will pore over this week’s data points before their next rate-setting meeting at the end of January.

From Barron's

USC, which received 83,500 applications in the last undergraduate admissions cycle, has dozens of full-time readers who work tens of thousands of hours to pore over grades, essays and other application elements.

From Los Angeles Times

The minutes from the meeting are due to be released on Tuesday and traders will be poring over their contents for any indication about its plans for 2026.

From Barron's