pore
What does "pore" mean?
A pore is a minute opening or hole on a surface, most commonly associated with the skin of humans or animals. It functions as a tiny gateway that allows substances like sweat or oils to pass from the body to the surface, essentially acting as the skin's way of breathing and regulating temperature. In a broader sense, the word can also refer to any tiny, microscopic gap in a material like rock, wood, or fabric. While the biological usage is the most common in everyday conversation—often discussed in the context of skincare or dermatology—the scientific usage applies to any porous substance that allows liquids or gases to seep through.
"pore" in conversation
Skincare routine
My skin feels so congested lately, I think my pores are completely clogged.
My skin feels so congested lately, I think my pores are completely clogged.
You should try a clay mask; it really helps draw out the impurities.
You should try a clay mask; it really helps draw out the impurities.
Used here in the common context of skincare and dermatology.
Science class
Observe the rock sample under the microscope; notice the tiny pores within the structure.
Observe the rock sample under the microscope; notice the tiny pores within the structure.
Are those the spaces where the water seeps through?
Are those the spaces where the water seeps through?
Demonstrates the technical usage regarding the permeability of materials.
"pore" in a sentence
She wiped the sweat from her pores.
She wiped the sweat from her pores.
The clay mask is designed to deep-clean your pores.
The clay mask is designed to deep-clean your pores.
Volcanic rock is highly porous, containing thousands of tiny pores that trap gases during cooling.
Volcanic rock is highly porous, containing thousands of tiny pores that trap gases during cooling.
