Definitions and Examples of porous, permeable
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Having small holes or spaces that allow air, water, or other substances to pass through.
Example
The sponge is porous and absorbs water quickly.
Allowing liquids or gases to pass through; penetrable.
Example
The fabric is permeable and allows air to circulate, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather.
Key Differences: porous vs permeable
- 1Porous describes a material that has small holes or spaces that allow air, water, or other substances to pass through.
- 2Permeable describes a material that allows liquids or gases to pass through, but not necessarily through small holes or spaces.
Effective Usage of porous, permeable
- 1Science: Use porous and permeable to describe materials in scientific contexts.
- 2Architecture: Use porous and permeable to describe building materials and their properties.
- 3Environment: Use porous and permeable to describe soil and its ability to absorb water.
Remember this!
The antonyms porous and permeable convey the opposite meaning of airproof. Use porous to describe a material that has small holes or spaces that allow air, water, or other substances to pass through. Use permeable to describe a material that allows liquids or gases to pass through, but not necessarily through small holes or spaces. These words are useful in scientific, architectural, and environmental contexts.
