puncture
puncture Lexical Profile
puncture Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small hole in a tire or other inflatable object caused by a sharp point, resulting in an escape of air.
"The cyclist had to stop by the side of the road to repair a puncture in his rear tire."
The act of piercing or perforating something with a sharp instrument, especially in medical procedures to withdraw fluid or tissue.
"The physician performed a lumbar puncture to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing."
• verb
To make a small hole in something with a sharp point, or to suffer such a hole.
"A stray nail on the driveway managed to puncture the front left tire of the delivery van."
To cause a sudden loss or collapse of something intangible, such as pride, confidence, or a mood.
"The disappointing quarterly results served to puncture the executives' overly optimistic mood."
• Rhymes for puncture
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin punctura ('a pricking'), derived from the Latin verb pungere ('to prick or pierce'), which also gives English 'pungent' and 'punctuation'.