pore

1 of 2

verb

ˈpȯr 

pored; poring

intransitive verb

1

: to gaze intently

2

: to read or study attentively

—usually used with over

3

: to reflect or meditate steadily

pore

2 of 2

noun

1

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane

2

: a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid

pored

ˈpȯrd 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• chew over
• cogitate
• consider
• contemplate
• debate
• deliberate
• entertain
• eye
• kick around
• meditate
• mull (over)
• perpend
• ponder
• question
• revolve
• ruminate
• study
• think (about or over)
• turn
• weigh
• wrestle (with)

Examples of pore in a Sentence

Verb

the committee will probably pore over the results of the study for a long time before making their decision

he pored over the textbook for hours in preparation for the test

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The latest market run also comes as investors pore through third-quarter results. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024

After spending a day poring through these numbers and a year studying this market, here are parting thoughts for executives keen on digesting this report to inform their go-to-market strategy in BCI. —Naveen Rao, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Noun

The term refers to a class of porous crystalline materials that have large pores, plenty of surface area, and low density. —New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024

The color-correcting design reduces redness and blurs the appearance of pores while providing 24 hours of hydration. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pouren

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pore

• pore fungus
• pore over

Kids Definition

pore

1 of 2 verb

ˈpō(ə)r 

ˈpȯ(ə)r

pored; poring

: to read with great attention : study

pore over a book

pore

2 of 2 noun

: a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)

pored

ˈpō(ə)rd

ˈpȯ(ə)rd

adjective

Medical Definition

pore

noun

ˈpō(ə)r, ˈpȯ(ə)r 

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane