What does the term "bore" most nearly mean?

The term "bore" most nearly means to dig, particularly in the context of creating a hole or a cylindrical opening. This is often referenced in various fields, including construction and engineering, where the action of boring involves drilling into a material to make a specific hollow space. For example, when you bore a hole into wood or metal, you are effectively using specialized tools to remove material and create a void.

While the other options represent actions related to manipulation of materials—like filling, smoothing, or measuring—they do not capture the essence of what it means to bore, which specifically entails the act of removing material to create a hollow space. This distinction makes "to dig" the most accurate match for the meaning of "bore."