perforate

[ verb pur-fuh-reyt; adjective pur-fer-it, -fuh-reyt ]
/ verb ˈpɜr fəˌreɪt; adjective ˈpɜr fər ɪt, -fəˌreɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR perforate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), per·fo·rat·ed, per·fo·rat·ing.

to make a hole or holes through by boring, punching, piercing, or the like.
to pierce through or to the interior of; penetrate.

verb (used without object), per·fo·rat·ed, per·fo·rat·ing.

to make a way through or into something; penetrate.

adjective

perforated.

Origin of perforate

1530–40; < Latin perforātus, past participle of perforāre to bore2 through; see per-

OTHER WORDS FROM perforate

Words nearby perforate

perfidy, perfin, perfing, perfoliate, perfoliate bellwort, perforate, perforated, perforated layer of sclera, perforated substance, perforated tape, perforated ulcer

Words related to perforate

puncture, permeate, pierce, probe, punch, drive, slit, stab, drill, penetrate, bore, pit, hole, honeycomb

Example sentences from the Web for perforate

British Dictionary definitions for perforate

perforate

verb (ˈpɜːfəˌreɪt)

to make a hole or holes in (something); penetrate
(tr) to punch rows of holes between (stamps, coupons, etc) for ease of separation

adjective (ˈpɜːfərɪt)

biology
  1. pierced by small holesperforate shells
  2. marked with small transparent spots
philately another word for perforated (def. 2)

Derived forms of perforate

perforable (ˈpɜːfərəbəl), adjective perforative or perforatory, adjective perforator, noun

Word Origin for perforate

C16: from Latin perforāre, from per- through + forāre to pierce

Medical definitions for perforate

perforate
[ pûr′fə-rāt′ ]

v.

To make a hole or holes in, as from injury, disease, or medical procedure.
To pass into or through (a body structure or tissue).

adj.

Having been perforated.