verb / adjective
perforate
PUR-fuh-rayt/ˈpɜːrfəreɪt/
To make holes through something, or having such holes.
The awl perforates the leather, its point emerging through the underside.
Etymology
The pieces express piercing through something, not merely marking its surface. That image directly explains making one or more holes through a material.
In context
defenses to try to perforate the membrane of the mitochondria, and kill it
More examples
- Perforate the plastic lid to let air circulate.
- The needle perforated the thin leather.
- Water drains through the perforated metal tray.
Forms
perforate · perforates · perforated · perforating
perforation noun — A hole made by piercing a surface.
Similar words
- pierce
- Emphasizes penetrating a surface, not necessarily making multiple holes.
- puncture
- Usually means making one small hole with a sharp object.