# pore

/ˈpɔɹ/ (US) · /pˈɔː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pore
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a tiny opening in your skin or on the surface of a leaf. It allows sweat, oils, or gases to pass through.

For teachers: a minute opening in a surface, especially the skin or the integument of a plant, through which gases, liquids, or microscopic particles can pass.

## Examples

- Steam helps to open the pores on your face.
- After a long run, your pores release sweat to help cool your body down to a safe temperature.
- The effectiveness of the topical treatment depends on its ability to penetrate the pores without causing significant irritation to the surrounding epidermal tissue.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He began to pore over his skin" but "He noticed a blocked pore on his skin" — Learners confuse the noun 'pore' (a small hole) with the verb 'pore' (to study something closely), which is always followed by 'over'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural when referring to skincare or biology.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.