perforation

Universal Words noun 1 [C,usually pl.,U] a small hole in a surface, often one of a series of small holes: Tear the sheet of stamps along the perforations. * He made a small perforation in the lining of the tube. 2 [U] (medical) the process of splitting or tearing in such a way that a hole is left: Excessive pressure can lead to perforation of the stomach wall.