imperforate

[ im-pur-fer-it, -fuh-reyt ]

adjective

1. Also im·per·fo·rat·ed []. not perforate; having no perforation.
2. Philately. (of a number of stamps joined together) lacking the perforations usually separating individual stamps.

noun

1. an imperforate stamp.

imperforate

/ -ˌreɪt; ɪmˈpɜːfərɪt /

adjective

1. not perforated
2. (of a postage stamp) not provided with perforation or any other means of separation imperf Compare perforate
3. anatomy (of a bodily part, such as the anus) without the normal opening

Derived Forms

• imˌperfoˈration, noun

Other Words From

• im·per·fo·ra·tion [im-pur-f, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperforate¹

First recorded in 1665–75; im- ² + perforate

Example Sentences

As the Chicago Tribune reported in 1940, stamp collectors saw Farley’s use of the imperforate sheets as a “betrayal” of the people who loved stamps most.

From Time

As the Smithsonian explains, this sheet of 1934 Yellowstone Park stamps is special because it’s “imperforate.”

From Time

In the middle of all this adjustment, my husband and I made time to research more about what an imperforate anus was, and what our next step would be for Rowen.

From US News

Rhabdamminina, rab-da-mi-nī′na, n. a group of marine imperforate foraminiferous protozoans.

From Project Gutenberg

Imperforate, -d, im-pėr′fo-rāt, -ed, adj. not pierced through: having no opening.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flawless
• perfect
• unblemished
• unbroken
• unharmed
• unhurt
• unscathed
• untouched