Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Puncture"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Puncture \Punc"ture\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Punctured}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Puncturing}.]
To pierce with a small, pointed instrument, or the like; to
prick; to make a puncture in; as, to puncture the skin.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Puncture \Punc"ture\, n. [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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
puncture
n 1: loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some
sharp object
2: a small hole made by a sharp object
3: the act of puncturing or perforating
v 1: pierce with a pointed object; make a hole into; "puncture a
tire"
2: make by piercing; "puncture a hole"
3: reduce or lessen the size or importance of; "The bad review
of his work deflated his self-confidence" [syn: {deflate}]
4: cause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing;
"puncture an air balloon"
5: be pierced or punctured; "The tire punctured"
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