perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perforating

2

a

: a hole or pattern made by or as if by piercing or boring

b

: one of the series of holes (as between rows of postage stamps) in a sheet that serve as an aid in separation

Synonyms

• pinhole
• pinprick
• prick
• punch
• puncture
• stab

Examples of perforation in a Sentence

an infection that can cause perforation of the intestine

during the lesson the boy absentmindedly made perforations in his paper with his pencil

Recent Examples on the Web

Uterine Perforation Uterine perforation—a small hole or tear in the uterine walls—can occur during IUD insertion. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Inside, the colossal entrance atrium wows visitors—plus, perforations in its walls and ceiling allowing sunlight to illuminate a huge statue of Ramses II (known himself to be one of Ancient Egypt’s most ambitious builders). —Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024

This is particularly true if the patient develops complications such as an abscess or perforation in the colon. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

About 1 in every 1,000 people will experience uterine perforation with an IUD insertion. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perforating

2

: a hole, pattern, or series of holes made by perforating

Medical Definition

perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perforating

specifically : the penetration of a body part through accident or disease

spontaneous perforation of the sigmoid colon in the presence of diverticulosis

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

a

: a rupture in a body part caused especially by accident or disease

b

: a natural opening in an organ or body part