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

Small bowel perforations can sometimes heal without surgery. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 29 Dec. 2024

Magnet ingestion can lead to bowel perforation, septic infection and death. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024

That can happen as soon as two hours after ingestion and lead to perforation, vocal cord paralysis or airway erosion. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, stomach ulcers, and the fatal perforation of the stomach or intestines. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 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