Definitions and Examples of porous, permeable, open
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Having small holes that allow air or liquid to pass through.
Example
The sponge is porous and can absorb a lot of water.
Allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
Example
The membrane is permeable to water but not to salt.
Not closed or sealed; allowing access, passage, or communication.
Example
The window was open to let in fresh air.
Key Differences: porous vs permeable vs open
- 1Porous describes a material that has small holes that allow air or liquid to pass through.
- 2Permeable describes a material that allows liquids or gases to pass through, but not necessarily through holes.
- 3Open describes something that is not closed or sealed, allowing access, passage, or communication.
Effective Usage of porous, permeable, open
- 1Science: Use porous and permeable to describe materials in scientific contexts.
- 2Architecture: Use permeable and open to describe building designs that allow natural light and ventilation.
- 3Environment: Use porous and permeable to describe soil and rock types that affect water flow and groundwater recharge.
Remember this!
The antonyms of hermetic are porous, permeable, and open. Use porous to describe materials with small holes, permeable for materials that allow liquids or gases to pass through, and open for things that are not closed or sealed. These words are useful in scientific, architectural, and environmental contexts.