perforation
UK[ˌpɜːfəˈreɪʃn]US[ˌpɜːrfəˈreɪʃn]
n
a small hole or series of small holes, especially one made in a sheet of material so that part of it can be torn off easily.
n
the act or process of making a hole or holes in something.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
for
ation
per
through
for
pierce
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "perforation" has a direct and logical lineage from Latin. It originates from the verb perforare, which is a compound of the prefix per- ("through") and the verb forare ("to bore or pierce"). The literal meaning, "to bore through," was carried directly into English. The addition of the noun-forming suffix -ation transforms the action into the state or result, leading to the modern abstract meanings: both the process of making holes and the series of holes themselves, such as those on sheets of stamps or paper for easy tearing.
Analysis
Structure: per (through) + for (pierce) + ation (noun suffix)
- per: Latin origin, meaning "through, thoroughly". A prefix indicating penetration or completion.
- for: From Latin forare, meaning "to bore, pierce, perforate". This is the core root.
- ation: Latin suffix -ationem, forming nouns of action or state from verbs.
Examples
Tear the form along the perforation.
The medical scan showed a small perforation in the intestinal wall.
The machine creates a neat line of perforations.