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

"The absolute real deal, talent pouring out of every pore. I'm heartbroken you've gone Gavin. I hope to see you again my friend."

From BBC

Jones and other seismologists had to pore over paper records and measure them by hand, and had to initially guess at the magnitude.

From Los Angeles Times

The dynamic between David and Kristen is something that fans really pore over — they ship them.

From Los Angeles Times

The vetters will pore over a contender’s tax returns and medical history.

From BBC

Vaults seemed to gather around gateways known as nuclear pore complexes and might fit their opening.

From Science Magazine