perforation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'perforation' is correct and widely used in written English.
It refers to the act of piercing or creating holes in a material, such as paper or fabric. You can use it in various contexts, such as describing a type of paper used for stamps or documents with small holes for easy tearing, or in medical terminology to describe a hole or opening in a body part or organ. Example: "The perforation on the postage stamp allows for easy separation and prevents damage to the stamp."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the only portion that is visible to superficial inspection, appearing as a perforated disc, the central perforation, or pupil, varying in size according to the surrounding illumination and other factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If congenital syphilis is not treated, blindness, deafness, perforation of the palate, inflammation of the liver, and involvement of the central nervous system may ensue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the ulcer penetrates the anterior wall, free perforation into the abdominal cavity may occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Surgery is often necessary to remove the source of infection, such as the appendix, or to repair a perforation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The complications of peptic ulcers are hemorrhage, perforation, and obstruction of the outlet of the stomach (pyloric stenosis) by scarring of the duodenal bulb or of the pyloric channel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Repeated pecking of the flat surfaces of the grindstones that became too smooth to grind ochre efficiently led to perforation of the stone and thus to the development of the disk macehead of the Nile Valley.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many tribes, such as the Guaraní, the symbol of masculine maturity is the labret, an ornament worn in a perforation of the lip; the ritual is preceded by an instruction period during which the boys, isolated from the community, learn the religious chants and dances, and it culminates with the perforation of their lower lips.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vessel elements differ from tracheids in that the end walls are modified into perforation plates, an area or areas in which there is no shared wall material or membrane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bordered pitting of the side walls of vessel members is either scalariform or circular (generally scalariform bordered pitting is associated with scalariform, foraminate, or reticulate perforation plates).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most common type of perforation plates in the angiosperms are scalariform and simple; the other types are rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Penetration completely through the target is called perforation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, use "perforation" to specifically denote an abnormal hole in an organ or tissue for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "pore" when "perforation" is more appropriate. A pore is a small opening, often natural, while a "perforation" is typically a larger, often artificial, opening or hole resulting from piercing or rupturing.

Linguistic Context

The word "perforation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of making a hole or the resulting hole itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an opening in a solid object, whether intentional or accidental.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "perforation" is a noun denoting the act of creating a hole or the hole itself, frequently used in both general and specialized contexts. As Ludwig AI notes, it accurately describes an opening in a material or body. Predominantly featured in encyclopedic and news media sources, its usage spans medical, industrial, and everyday scenarios. The word carries a neutral to formal tone, emphasizing precision when describing breaches or openings. Common usage errors include confusing "perforation" with similar terms like "pore". When using "perforation", ensure the context aligns with describing an intentional or unintentional hole through a material or body. The frequency of "perforation" in reliable sources demonstrates its established place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puncturing

Focuses on the act of making a small hole with a sharp object.

piercing

Emphasizes the action of penetrating or making a hole through something.

puncturing a hole

Combines the ideas of puncturing and creating a hole, emphasizing the action.

making an opening

Highlights the creation of an aperture or gap.

making a puncture

Focuses on creating a small hole specifically.

creating a hole

Describes the process of forming a cavity or void.

penetration

Refers to the act of something passing through or into something else, implying a hole.

rupturing

Implies a sudden breaking or bursting, often resulting in a hole.

drilling

Refers to the act of making a hole with a drill.

creating a breach

Suggests a breaking or violation that results in an opening.

FAQs

How is "perforation" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "perforation" describes an abnormal hole or rupture in an organ or tissue, such as a bowel "perforation" or a perforated eardrum.

What are common causes of a bowel "perforation"?

Common causes include ulcers, appendicitis, diverticulitis, and trauma. These conditions can weaken the intestinal wall, leading to a "perforation" that requires immediate medical attention.

What's the difference between a "perforation" and a "puncture"?

A "puncture" is generally a small hole made by a sharp object, while a "perforation" often refers to a more significant or irregular opening, particularly in medical or industrial contexts. A "puncture" might be a nail in a tire, while a "perforation" could be a hole in an organ.

In what non-medical contexts is "perforation" used?

"Perforation" is used to describe a series of small holes made in materials like paper or metal to allow for easy separation. For example, stamps often have "perforation" lines.