Permeability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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permeability
[หpษหrmiษหbษชlษti ]
Definitions
in geology
The ability of a material or substance to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.
Synonyms
penetrability, porosity, porousness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| permeability |
Use this term in scientific and engineering contexts to describe how easily a fluid can move through a material.
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| porosity |
Utilize this word in geology, soil science, and materials science to refer to the proportion of void spaces in a material where fluids can be stored.
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| penetrability |
This term is often used in physics and material sciences to describe the ability of a substance to allow another substance to pass through it.
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| porousness |
This term is similar to porosity, but itโs often used more informally to refer to how full of tiny holes a material is.
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Examples of usage
- Water can easily pass through the permeability of the sandstone.
- The permeability of the soil affects its ability to retain water.
in physics
The property of a material that allows it to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself.
Synonyms
magnetic susceptibility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| permeability |
Use this when referring to the degree to which a magnetic field can penetrate a material. This is a key concept in electromagnetism and materials science. Note that this definition is distinct from permeability related to fluids and gases.
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| magnetic susceptibility |
Utilize when discussing how much a material will become magnetized in an applied magnetic field. This term is often used in physics and materials science.
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Examples of usage
- The permeability of the core material is crucial in determining the efficiency of the transformer.
- Materials with high permeability are often used in magnetic circuits.
in psychology
The degree to which a person's mind is open to new ideas or experiences.
Synonyms
flexibility, open-mindedness, receptivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| permeability |
Used mostly in scientific, engineering, or academic contexts to describe how easily something can pass through a material.
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| open-mindedness |
Used in a social or psychological context to describe a person's willingness to consider different ideas or opinions.
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| receptivity |
Often used in interpersonal or psychological contexts to describe the willingness or ability to receive new ideas or experiences.
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| flexibility |
Commonly used to describe the ability to bend easily without breaking or the willingness to adjust to new conditions.
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Examples of usage
- Her permeability to different cultures allowed her to adapt easily while traveling.
- Creativity often requires a high level of permeability to think outside the box.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In geology, permeability is critical for understanding how water flows through soil and rock formations.
- High permeability materials, like sand, allow water to flow freely, while clay has very low permeability.
- The concept is vital in environmental science, especially concerning groundwater movement and pollution.
Engineering
- In civil engineering, the permeability of materials influences the design of structures like dams and tunnels.
- Geotechnical investigations often measure permeability to assess the stability of soil before construction.
- Innovations in materials science have led to the development of membranes that control permeability for various applications.
Biology
- Cell membranes exhibit selective permeability, allowing certain substances to enter while blocking others.
- Understanding permeability is crucial for drug delivery in medical science to determine how easily medications can enter cells.
- Plant roots rely on permeable soil to absorb water and nutrients effectively.
Culture
- The concept of permeability can also extend metaphorically to cultural boundaries, allowing ideas to flow between different communities.
- In literature, permeability can describe how characters absorb their environments or influence others around them.
- Recently, permeability has entered discussions about sustainability, particularly regarding how materials can better allow for environmental interactions.
Origin of 'permeability'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'permeabilis', which means 'that can be passed through'.
- It combines 'per-' meaning 'through' and 'meare' meaning 'to go' or 'to pass'.
- The term first appeared in English scientific literature in the late 19th century.
The word 'permeability' originated from the Latin word 'permeabilis', which means 'that can be passed through'. The concept of permeability has been studied extensively in various fields such as geology, physics, and psychology. Understanding the permeability of materials is crucial in engineering, environmental sciences, and many other disciplines. The term has evolved over time to encompass not only physical properties but also psychological and social aspects.
See also: impermeable.