First Known Use: 1538
Dictionary
perforate
verb per·fo·rate \ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt\
: to make a hole or a series of holes in (something)
per·fo·rat·edper·fo·rat·ing
Full Definition of PERFORATE
transitive verb
1
: to make a hole through; especially : to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation
2
: to pass through or into by or as if by making a hole
intransitive verb
: to penetrate a surface
— per·fo·rate \ˈpər-f(ə-)rət, -fə-ˌrāt\ adjective
— per·fo·ra·tor \-fə-ˌrā-tər\ noun
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Origin of PERFORATE
Latin perforatus, past participle of perforare to bore through, from per- through + forare to bore — more at bore
Rhymes with PERFORATE
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PERFORATING Defined for Kids
perforate
verb per·fo·rate \ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt\
per·fo·rat·edper·fo·rat·ing
Definition of PERFORATE for Kids
: to make a hole or many holes through
Medical Dictionary
perforate
verb per·fo·rate \ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt\
per·fo·rat·edper·fo·rat·ing
Medical Definition of PERFORATE
transitive verb
1
: to make a hole through <an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall>
2
: to enter or extend through <the nerve perforates the dura mater>
intransitive verb
: to penetrate a surface <the wound in the forearm was perforating—Journal of the American Medical Association>
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