puncture

Everyday

1. A puncture is a small hole made by something sharp, especially in a tyre so that the air comes out. tree →
2. To puncture something is to make a small hole in it. tree →
3. A puncture wound is a deep, small wound made by something pointed, like a nail. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a bike or car can «get a puncture» (UK) or «a flat tire» (US); learning to fix a puncture is a useful skill. In first aid, puncture wounds from nails or animal bites need cleaning and sometimes a doctor. Phrases: «get a puncture», «mend a puncture», «puncture repair kit», «puncture wound».

Examples

• I got a puncture on my bike on the way to school. tree →
• Dad showed me how to mend a puncture. tree →
• A nail punctured the car tyre. tree →
• Be careful: the pin could puncture the balloon. tree →
• A puncture wound from a rusty nail needs a doctor's check. tree →
• We carry a puncture repair kit on long rides. tree →

Note

Countable: puncture, punctures. In the USA «flat tire» or «a flat» is more common than «puncture». Spelling UK «tyre», US «tire». A deep puncture from something dirty or rusty can cause infection (tetanus), so tell an adult.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means the two nostrils, the small openings of the nose, counted among the body's seven gates.

Interpretation. Sefer Yetzirah matches the seven openings of the head (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth) to the seven planets and other sevens in the world.

Examples

• And the Seven Gates in the person: two eyes, two ears, two punctures of the nose, and the mouth. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Countable: puncture, punctures. In the USA «flat tire» or «a flat» is more common than «puncture». Spelling UK «tyre», US «tire». A deep puncture from something dirty or rusty can cause infection (tetanus), so tell an adult.