punctured

Punctured is the past participle of puncture and is used as an adjective to describe something that has been pierced by a sharp object, creating a hole or opening. The term applies across contexts, from everyday objects to injuries, and can indicate a loss of integrity in a material or containment system as a result of piercing.

In everyday objects, punctured items often lose their intended function due to leakage or structural weakness. A common example is a punctured tire, where an opening allows air to escape, producing a flat or slow leak. Punctures are frequently caused by nails, screws, glass, or sharp debris. Repairs depend on location and extent; tread-area punctures may be repaired with patches or plugs, while punctures in fragile areas or sidewalls are typically treated as unrepairable.

In medical contexts, a puncture wound is a penetrating injury caused by a sharp object such as a pin, nail, or needle. Such wounds can be deeper than they are wide and carry risks of infection or damage to underlying tissues or organs. Management typically involves thorough cleaning, wound care, and assessment of tetanus status, with medical attention sought for signs of infection or if there is extensive tissue damage or uncertainty about foreign material.

Other uses describe punctured materials in manufacturing or design. Perforated or punctured surfaces, including metal, plastic, or textiles, are created deliberately to permit airflow, filtration, drainage, or decorative patterns. The term emphasizes the presence of holes or openings resulting from piercing or perforation.