pore

¹

[ pawr, pohr ]

verb (used without object)

, pored, por·ing.

1. to read or study with steady attention or application:

   a scholar poring over a rare old manuscript.

2. to gaze earnestly or steadily:

   to pore over a painting.

3. to meditate or ponder intently (usually followed by over, on, or upon ):

   He pored over the strange events of the preceding evening.

   Synonyms: examine, peruse, scrutinize, ponder

pore

²

[ pawr, pohr ]

noun

1. a minute opening or orifice, as in the skin or a leaf, for perspiration, absorption, etc.
2. a minute interstice, as in a rock.

pore

¹

/ pɔː /

verb

1. foll by over to make a close intent examination or study (of a book, map, etc)

   he pored over the documents for several hours

2. foll byover, on, or upon to think deeply (about)

   he pored on the question of their future

3. rare.
   foll byover, on, or upon to look earnestly or intently (at); gaze fixedly (upon)

pore

²

/ pɔː /

noun

1. anatomy zoology any small opening in the skin or outer surface of an animal
2. botany any small aperture, esp that of a stoma through which water vapour and gases pass
3. any other small hole, such as a space in a rock, soil, etc

pore

/ pôr /

1. A tiny opening, as one in an animal's skin or on the surface of a plant leaf or stem, through which liquids or gases may pass.
2. A space in soil, rock, or loose sediment that is not occupied by mineral matter and allows the passage or absorption of fluids, such as water, petroleum, or air.

Usage

See pour

Other Words From

• porelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pore¹

1250–1300; Middle English pouren < ?

Origin of pore²

1350–1400; Middle English poore < Late Latin porus < Greek póros passage; emporium, ford

Word History and Origins

Origin of pore¹

C13 pouren; perhaps related to peer ²

Origin of pore²

C14: from Late Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore

Example Sentences

A camera might alert police the moment it registers the vehicle of a person wanted as part of an investigation or authorities might pore through captured images as part of a case, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

They spent the afternoon poring over family photographs.

From BBC

The powder was designed to trap the greenhouse gas in its microscopic pores, then release it when it’s ready to be squirreled away someplace where it can’t contribute to global warming.

From Los Angeles Times

No doubt the wreckage will be pored over by Ukrainian engineers and their findings passed on to Kyiv’s Western partners.

From BBC

The $120, 45-minute treatment is designed for people 11 to 15 years old and includes a double cleanse, mild exfoliation and, if necessary, extractions to clear out clogged pores.

From Los Angeles Times