Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Porosity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฝ
Add to dictionary

porosity

[pษ”หˆrษ’sษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

geology

The quality of being porous, or full of tiny holes that allow liquids or gases to pass through.

Synonyms

permeability, porousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
porosity

This is a duplicate of 'porosity,' the term and its usage remain the same as described above.

  • The porosity of the rock determines how much oil it can contain.
  • High porosity in soil can affect its ability to retain water.
permeability

Used mainly in scientific fields to describe the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it. It is often discussed in conjunction with porosity, especially in geology and hydrology.

  • The permeability of the aquifer allows groundwater to flow freely.
  • Materials with low permeability are used for waterproofing.
porousness

This term can be used interchangeably with 'porosity,' often in less formal contexts. It also describes the quality of having small holes or pores that gases or liquids can pass through.

  • The porousness of the sponge makes it ideal for cleaning.
  • Porousness in building materials can lead to water damage if not treated properly.

Examples of usage

  • The porosity of the rock determines how much oil it can hold.
  • High porosity in the soil can lead to rapid water drainage.
Context #2 | Noun

material science

The percentage of void space in a material, which is a key property in determining its suitability for various applications.

Synonyms

permeability, porousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
porosity

Typically used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe the measure of the void spaces in a material. It is commonly used in disciplines like geology, materials science, and engineering.

  • The porosity of the rock is an important factor in determining its ability to hold water
  • The soil's porosity affects how quickly water will drain through it
porousness

Generally used to describe the quality or state of being porous in everyday language. It is less technical compared to 'porosity' but still conveys the idea effectively.

  • The porousness of the sponge makes it excellent for absorbing liquids
  • Due to its porousness, this type of fabric is not ideal for waterproof clothing
permeability

Often used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe the ability of a material to allow fluids or gases to pass through it. This term is especially relevant in fields like hydrology, petroleum engineering, and environmental science.

  • The permeability of the membrane determines its effectiveness in filtering impurities
  • High permeability in soil can lead to rapid water drainage, which is crucial for agriculture

Examples of usage

  • The porosity of the concrete affects its strength and durability.
  • Manufacturers aim to minimize porosity in ceramics to enhance their performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Porosity is crucial in geology, affecting how water moves through soil and rock layers.
  • In materials science, understanding porosity helps engineers determine how materials like concrete and ceramics can hold up under pressure.
  • The porosity of an object can significantly influence its strength; for example, highly porous materials are often lighter but less durable.

Environmental Studies

  • High porosity in soil can lead to better drainage, which is essential for preventing flooding.
  • Aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock, rely on porosity for water storage and movement.
  • Porosity in wetlands plays a vital role in water purification as water passes through soil with tiny openings.

Architecture

  • Porosity in building materials is considered when designing energy-efficient homes to allow natural ventilation.
  • Innovative designs often incorporate porous materials to create aesthetics and functionality, such as in faรงades.
  • Sustainable architecture takes advantage of porosity for water management systems like green roofs.

Art and Literature

  • Artists have used the concept of porosity to describe how boundaries in art can blur, allowing different mediums to interact.
  • In literature, themes of porosity can represent the permeability of character identities and emotional experiences.
  • The idea of porosity in poetry can symbolize vulnerability, where emotions and feelings are expressed fluidly.

Origin of 'porosity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'porosity' comes from the Latin 'porosus', which means 'full of pores'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 17th century, originally used in scientific contexts.
  • The prefix 'poro-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'opening' or 'passage'.

The word 'porosity' originated from the Latin word 'porosus,' meaning 'full of pores.' The concept of porosity has been used in various fields such as geology, material science, and engineering to describe the permeability or void space within a substance. Understanding porosity is crucial in many industries, including oil exploration, construction, and manufacturing.

See also: porousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,478, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.