ˌpərfəˈrāshən, ˌpə̄f-, ˌpəif- noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin perforatus + New Latin -orium — more at perforate
1. : the act or process of perforating
a machine for the perforation of a sheet of stamps at one stroke
specifically : the penetration of a body part through accident or disease
spontaneous perforation of the sigmoid colon in the presence of diverticulosis — Journal American Medical Association
2.
a.
(1) : a hole or pattern made by piercing or boring
perforations on the edge of the film engage sprockets in the projector
mark all perforations which indicate seams, darts … and buttonhole locations — Needlecraft for the Home
overprints gave way to perforations — Gordon Ward
specifically : a series or one of a series of holes made in a shoe upper for ornament or ventilation
(2) : a series of small incisions to facilitate tearing along a predetermined line
b.
(1) : one of the series of holes made between rows of postage stamps in a sheet — compare pin perforation , roulette
(2) : one of the teeth on the edge of a detached stamp resulting from tearing along the series of holes
(3) or perforation number : a philatelic classification based on the number of perforations along the edge of a stamp per 20 millimeters
c. : a rupture in a body part caused by accident or disease
d. : a natural opening in an organ or body part
small perforations opening at the bottom of the sulci — Ferdinand Canu & R.S.Bassler