perforation

noun

per·fo·ra·tion | \ ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of perforation

1 : the act or process of perforating

2a : 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

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Examples of perforation in a Sentence

an infection that can cause perforation of the intestine absentmindedly made perforations in his paper with his pencil

Recent Examples on the Web

Loose powder is dusted across the surface, passing through the perforations to provide outlines to guide the artist. — Cammy Brothers, WSJ, "Taking Shape Before Our Eyes," 14 June 2019 Use a Solid Headboard Go for a solid headboard without perforations and make sure it's attached to the bed. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "12 Feng Shui Tips to Create the Bedroom of Your Dreams," 17 May 2019 Much more rarely, people deal with the IUD complication known as perforation, which happens when an IUD pierces the uterine wall. — Korin Miller, SELF, "When Is It OK to Get Your IUD Removed?," 12 Mar. 2019 IUDs can also cause perforation, which is when the device pushes through the wall of your uterus. — Korin Miller, SELF, "13 Things You Absolutely Should Know Before Getting the Copper IUD," 20 July 2018 In the uncommon event that perforation does happen and is discovered, the IUD needs to be removed. — Korin Miller, SELF, "When Is It OK to Get Your IUD Removed?," 12 Mar. 2019 In fact, perforation most often happens due to an error during placement. — Korin Miller, SELF, "13 Things You Absolutely Should Know Before Getting the Copper IUD," 20 July 2018 Marked by sudden intense pain in the abdomen, fever and nausea, diverticulitis can result in serious, even life-threatening complications like an abscess or perforation of the colon that allows bowel contents to leak into the abdomen. — Laura Landro, WSJ, "Doctors Rethink the Cause—and Treatment—of Diverticular Disease," 20 Nov. 2018 Apollo Endosurgery said that as of March 31, the global rate of spontaneous hyperinflation of its devices after operations was 0.07%, and the gastric perforation rate was 0.01%. — Susan Scutti, CNN, "Weight loss balloons now linked to 12 deaths," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perforation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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24 Jun 2019

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The first known use of perforation was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for perforation

perforation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of perforation

: a small hole or series of small holes in paper, cardboard, etc.

medical : a hole in part of the body caused by an accident or disease

See the full definition for perforation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perforation

noun

per·fo·ra·tion | \ ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən

Medical Definition of perforation

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 — Journal of the American Medical Association

2a : a rupture in a body part caused especially by accident or disease

b : a natural opening in an organ or body part