Perforation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a small hole or series of holes, often in a line, usually made for the purpose of tearing paper or allowing fluids to pass through.

• The tickets have a perforation that makes them easy to tear apart
• The filter has tiny perforations to allow water to pass through

A general term used for an opening or hollow place in a solid body or surface. It can refer to anything from a small puncture to a large gap.

• He accidentally drilled a hole in the wall
• The dog dug a hole in the backyard

Refers to a space or gap that one can look through, pass through, or use to enter or exit. Also used metaphorically to refer to opportunities.

• She looked through the opening in the fence
• The door provided an opening to the next room
• He found an opening in the job market

Commonly used in technical or scientific contexts to refer to an opening, especially one that controls the amount of light entering a camera or telescope.

• The photographer adjusted the camera's aperture to get the perfect shot
• The telescope's aperture determines how much light it can gather

This term is commonly used in technical or manufacturing settings to describe holes or cuts made in a material, especially paper, to allow for easy tearing or separation.

• She easily tore out the coupon along the perforation
• The notebook had perforations to help remove pages cleanly

This phrase is typically used in contexts where ease of tearing is the main focus. It is often found in everyday language to describe lines on items like tickets, forms, or packaging.

• The envelope had a tear-off line for easy opening
• Make sure you fold the receipt along the tear-off line before removing it

This phrase is often used in general or informal contexts when describing a line designed to mark where two sections should be divided or torn apart. It is ideal for contexts where non-technical language is preferred.

• The ticket had a clear separation line to divide the stubs
• Please fold the paper along the separation line before tearing

Usually used to describe small holes in a material that are created for easier tearing or separating parts.

• The ticket has a perforation down the middle for easy tearing.
• The document had a perforation along the edge to allow for clean removal from the binder.

Describes a long, narrow cut or opening often made intentionally. Can sometimes be used in a negative context to describe something damaged or sinister.

• There was a small slit in the envelope for inserting the invitation.
• She noticed a slit in her dress that wasn’t there before.

Used to describe a piece that has been cut out of a material or an area that has been removed, often used in arts and crafts or design.

• The artist made a cutout in the shape of a star from the cardboard.
• The dress had a cutout on the back, giving it a unique look.

Refers to the act of making a hole through something, often used when talking about body modifications or sharp objects. Can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• She got a piercing in her nose last weekend.
• The arrow pierced through the target effortlessly.