Per`fo*ra"ta (pr`f*r"t), n. pl. [NL. See Perforate.] (Zoˆl.) (a) A
division of corals including those that have a porous texture, as
Porites and Madrepora; -- opposed to Aporosa. (b) A division of
Foraminifera, including those having perforated shells.
Per"fo*rate (pr"f*rt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Perforated (- r`td); p. pr.
& vb. n. Perforating.] [L. perforatus, p. p. of perforare to perforate;
per through + forare to bore. See Bore, v.] To bore through; to pierce
through with a pointed instrument; to make a hole or holes through by
boring or piercing; to pierce or penetrate the surface of. Bacon.
{ Per"fo*rate (pr"f*rt), Per"fo*ra`ted (pr"f*r"td), } a. Pierced with a
hole or holes, or with pores; having transparent dots resembling holes.
Per`fo*ra"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. perforation.] 1. The act of perforating,
or of boring or piercing through. Bacon.
2. A hole made by boring or piercing; an aperture. "Slender
perforations." Sir T. Browne.
Per"fo*ra*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. perforatif.] Having power to perforate
or pierce.
Per"fo*ra`tor (?), n. [Cf. F. perforateur.] One who, or that which,
perforates; esp., a cephalotome.
Per*force" (?), adv. [F. par (L. per) + force.] By force; of necessary;
at any rate. Shak.