What does pore mean?
A pore is a tiny opening in a surface. In its most familiar sense, it refers to one of the small openings in human or animal skin through which sweat reaches the surface; the word can also describe microscopic passages in leaves and other biological tissues. As a verb, to pore over something means to examine it with sustained, careful attention. This usage often implies that a person is studying something in detail, perhaps searching for information or trying to understand a difficult point. “Pore over the evidence” and “pore over a map” are typical constructions. Although pore and pour are pronounced alike in many accents, they have unrelated meanings: a pore is an opening, while to pour is to cause a liquid to flow. The word is useful both as a precise biological term and as a vivid verb describing concentrated attention.
A very small opening in a surface, especially in the skin or in the microscopic structure of a material.
"Moisturizers can make the skin look smoother by reducing the appearance of enlarged pores."
In personal-care contexts, “pores” is commonly used for the visible openings in facial skin.
To examine something closely and attentively, especially in search of information or detail.
"He pored over the manuscript for hours, checking every reference."
The standard phrase is “pore over,” followed by the thing being examined.
The plural is used for multiple tiny openings, especially in skin, leaves, or other materials.
"Tiny pores in the leaves allow the plant to exchange gases with the air."
A pore comes from a word for a passageway: even the smallest opening can be a route through something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pore come from?
The word comes through French from Latin porus, an opening or passage, which was borrowed from Greek poros, meaning “passage” or “way through.” The noun sense developed from the idea of an opening, while the verb meaning “examine closely” arose from the notion of looking carefully through or into something.
How pore is actually used
In the verb sense, the usual construction is “pore over” something. The expression is common in formal and informal English but can suggest prolonged, highly attentive scrutiny.
Easily confused with pore
A pore is a tiny opening in a surface, whereas to pour is to make a liquid flow from a container.