puncture

[ˈpʌŋktʃə]
[ˈpʌŋktʃɚ]
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A puncture is a hole that has been made in something, often unexpectedly. When this happens, especially to tires or skin, it can be frustrating and inconvenient.

When you get a puncture, it's usually because of some kind of accident or damage, like driving over a sharp rock or getting cut by a sharp object. For car owners, it means pulling over to the side of the road as soon as possible, which is why many cars come with spare tires or emergency kits in case this happens on the highway. People often get anxious about punctures because they worry about being stranded somewhere or getting stuck with a flat tire that's hard to repair. On the other hand, medical professionals are trained to deal with puncture wounds carefully and quickly to prevent infection or further harm.

How common is "puncture"?

Word puncture is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

noun

  • The act or an instance of puncturing.

1 / 3
flatflat tyre

verb

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

    Example: The needle punctured the balloon instantly.