~ 1
■ noun a minute opening in the skin or other surface through which gases, liquids, or microscopic particles may pass.
Origin
ME: from OFr., via L. from Gk poros 'passage, ~'.
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~ 2
■ verb
1》 ( ~ over/through ) be absorbed in the reading or study of.
2》 ( ~ on/over ) archaic ponder.
Origin
ME: perh. related to peer 1 .
Usage
People often confuse the verbs ~ and pour . Pore is used with over or through and means ‘be absorbed in the reading of’ ( I spent hours poring over cookery books ), while pour means ‘flow or cause to flow in a steady stream’ ( water poured off the stones ; pour the tea ).