perforate
/'pə:fəreit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To make a hole or holes through something, especially by piercing or punching: This is the primary meaning, describing the action of creating an opening.
- To pass into or through something: This meaning describes the action of an object moving through a material, often overcoming resistance.
Adjective (less common):
- Pierced with a hole or holes; having a hole cut through: Describes an object that has been perforated.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- You need to perforate the paper along the dotted line to tear it easily.
- The drill bit is designed to perforate metal sheets.
- The bullet was able to perforate the thin wall.
Adjective:
- The patient had a perforated eardrum.
- Use perforated paper for the raffle tickets.
Advanced Usage
Technical/Medical Context: Often used to describe a rupture or hole in a biological membrane or organ.
- An ulcer can perforate the stomach lining.
- The surgeon repaired the perforated septum.
Manufacturing/Design Context: Refers to materials with a regular pattern of holes for function (e.g., ventilation, ease of tearing) or decoration.
- The perforated leather provides better airflow in the shoes.
Variants and Related Words
- Perforation (noun): A hole made by piercing or punching; a series of such holes.
- Tear the paper along the line of perforations.
- Perforator (noun): A tool or machine for making holes.
- The ticket perforator stamps a date on each entry.
Synonyms
- Verb: Pierce, puncture, penetrate, bore, drill, punch.
- Adjective: Pierced, punctured, holed.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: "Perforate" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed directly or with prepositions like "through.") - To perforate through: To succeed in making a hole through something. - The needle easily perforated through the fabric.
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms centered on the word "perforate.")
Adjective
- having a hole cut through
- pierced ears
- a perforated eardrum
- a punctured balloon
Verb
- pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
- The bullet penetrated her chest
- make a hole into or between, as for ease of separation
- perforate the sheets of paper