pores

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The tiny openings in skin through which sweat and natural oils reach the surface.

   Grammar: Plural form of pore; used with are: her pores were clogged.

   Patterns

   • clogged pores
   • open pores

   Hot water can open your pores before you wash your face.

   Oily skin often has larger pores.

   Sweat escapes through the pores on your forehead.

2. 2nounpluralbiologytechnical

   Tiny openings on a leaf, stem or other surface that let air or liquid pass through.

   Grammar: Plural form; used in biology and science about plants and materials.

   Patterns

   • pores in something

   Plants take in carbon dioxide through pores in their leaves.

   Water seeps through the pores of the rock.

   Sponge material is full of tiny pores.

Word forms

Common combinations

clogged pores

A heavy cream left her with clogged pores.

unclog pores

This mask is meant to unclog pores.

open pores

Steam opens the pores of your skin.

minimize pores

She tried a product to minimize pores.

pores of the skin

Dirt settles in the pores of the skin.

Synonyms and how they differ

openings

Openings is a general word for any gap, while pores are specifically tiny natural holes.

holes

Holes can be any size or shape, whereas pores are always minute.

stomata

Stomata is the scientific word for pores in plant leaves and is used only in biology.

Word family

pore noun

one tiny opening

porous adjective

full of tiny holes that let liquid or air through

porosity noun

the quality of being porous

nonporous adjective

not letting liquid pass through

Commonly confused: pores or pours? pores or poor?

Practice

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