pore
UK: pɔː | US: pɔːr
n. a tiny opening in a surface, especially in the skin of a person or animal
vi. to study or examine something carefully
The word "pore" traces back to the Greek poros, meaning "passage" or "way through." It entered English via Latin porus and Old French pore, retaining its core meaning of a small opening. The verb form ("to pore over") evolved separately, originating from Middle English pouren (to gaze intently), likely influenced by the idea of closely examining something as if peering through a tiny opening.
Sweat exits the body through pores in the skin.
She pored over the ancient manuscript for hours.
The sponge’s pores absorb water efficiently.
He noticed clogged pores on his face after hiking.
Botanists pore through plant specimens to identify new species.