perforated tape: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “perforated tape” mean?
A strip of material (usually paper or plastic) with a series of small holes punched at regular intervals, designed to be torn or separated along the perforations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strip of material (usually paper or plastic) with a series of small holes punched at regular intervals, designed to be torn or separated along the perforations.
In computing and telecommunications, it historically refers to paper tape with holes representing data (punch tape). In packaging and stationery, it refers to adhesive tape with perforations for easy tearing. In medicine, it can refer to surgical tape with perforations for breathability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept is identical. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in surrounding text).
Connotations
In both varieties, the computing/historical sense carries a technical/archaic connotation. The stationery sense is neutral and functional.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in specific technical, historical, or stationery/office supply contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “perforated tape” in a Sentence
[Verb] + perforated tape: use/apply/tear/replace/load the perforated tape[Adjective] + perforated tape: adhesive/paper/surgical/historical/punched perforated tapeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “perforated tape” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The machine will perforate the tape as it prints.
- We need to perforate the tape every two centimetres.
American English
- The system perforates the tape to mark the segments.
- They perforate the packaging tape for easier use.
adverb
British English
- The tape was perforated evenly.
- The material is perforated precisely.
American English
- The tape is perforated cleanly.
- It was perforated incorrectly.
adjective
British English
- A perforated-tape dispenser is more efficient.
- The perforated-tape edge is not very strong.
American English
- The perforated-tape roll is almost empty.
- We have a perforated-tape system for labels.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in office supply contexts for packaging or bundling documents. 'Order more perforated tape for the mailroom.'
Academic
Used in historical discussions of early computing or data storage. 'Programs were stored on perforated tape.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be encountered when buying stationery or craft supplies. 'This tape dispenser uses perforated tape.'
Technical
Precise term in computing history, telecommunications history, and specific manufacturing/packaging processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “perforated tape”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “perforated tape”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “perforated tape”
- Using 'perforated tape' to refer to standard, non-perforated adhesive tape (e.g., Scotch tape). Mispronouncing 'perforated' with stress on the second syllable (/pərˈfɔː.reɪ.tɪd/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Masking tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape, usually made of thin paper, used in painting. It may or may not be perforated. Perforated tape is a feature (having holes), not a specific product type.
It was a primary medium for data storage, program input, and telecommunications in early computers and telegraph systems (e.g., punch tape).
Yes, commonly. Many adhesive tape rolls for packaging or stationery are perforated at intervals for easy tearing without scissors.
The stress is on the first syllable: PER-for-a-ted. The common mistake is to stress the second syllable (per-FOR-a-ted).
A strip of material (usually paper or plastic) with a series of small holes punched at regular intervals, designed to be torn or separated along the perforations.
Perforated tape is usually technical/formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cinema TICKET you tear off – it has a PERFORATED edge. PERFORATED TAPE is like a long strip of those tear-off tickets.
Conceptual Metaphor
TAPE IS A LINE OF WEAKNESSES (the perforations create intentional, controlled points of failure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'perforated tape' MOST likely to be used today?