pierce: Meaning and Definition of

pierce

Pronunciation: (pērs), [key]
— v., pierced, pierc•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to penetrate into or run through (something), as a sharp, pointed dagger, object, or instrument does.
  2. to make a hole or opening in.
  3. to bore into or through; tunnel.
  4. to perforate.
  5. to make (a hole, opening, etc.) by or as by boring or perforating.
  6. to make a way or path into or through: a road that pierces the dense jungle.
  7. to penetrate with the eye or mind; see into or through: She couldn't pierce his thoughts.
  8. to affect sharply with some sensation or emotion, as of cold, pain, or grief: The wind pierced her body. Her words pierced our hearts.
  9. to sound sharply through (the air, stillness, etc.): A pistol shot pierced the night.
—v.i.
  1. to force or make a way into or through something; penetrate: to pierce to the heart.

Pierce

Pronunciation: (pērs), [key]
— n.
  1. 1804–69, 14th president of the U.S. 1853–57.
  2. born 1910, U.S. electrical engineer: helped develop communications satellites.
  3. a male given name, form of
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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