PUNCTURE

puncture

(noun) the act of puncturing or perforating

puncture

(noun) a small hole made by a sharp object

puncture

(noun) loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some sharp object

puncture

(verb) be pierced or punctured; “The tire punctured”

puncture

(verb) cause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing; “puncture an air balloon”

deflate, puncture

(verb) reduce or lessen the size or importance of; “The bad review of his work deflated his self-confidence”

puncture

(verb) pierce with a pointed object; make a hole into; “puncture a tire”

puncture

(verb) make by piercing; “puncture a hole”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

puncture (plural punctures)

The act or an instance of puncturing.

A hole, cut, or tear created by a sharp object.

(specifically) A hole in a vehicle's tyre, causing the tyre to deflate.

Synonyms: flat (informal US), flat tyre (UK)

Verb

puncture (third-person singular simple present punctures, present participle puncturing, simple past and past participle punctured)

To pierce; to break through; to tear a hole.

Source: Wiktionary

Punc"ture, n. Etym: [L. punctura, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See Pungent.]

1. The act of puncturing; perforating with something pointed.

2. A small hole made by a point; a slight wound, bite, or sting; as, the puncture of a nail, needle, or pin. A lion may perish by the puncture of an asp. Rambler.

Punc"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Punctured; p. pr. & vb. n. Puncturing.]

Definition: To pierce with a small, pointed instrument, or the like; to prick; to make a puncture in; as, to puncture the skin.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition