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percer

to pierce, to break through

verb pehr-SEH Less Common
Body & Health Movement

Also means

to make a name for oneself

Usage Note

percer can be used literally (to drill a hole, to pierce an ear) or figuratively: percer dans le métier means to break through or make it in a profession. A related noun is percée (a breakthrough, an opening). The 'c' takes a cedilla before 'a' to keep its soft sound (il perça).

Examples

"Le médecin a percé l'abcès."

Natural Translation

The doctor lanced the abscess.

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