Porous: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something with many small holes that allow liquid or air to pass through easily. Typical for natural materials like sponges, rocks, or skin.

• The porous rock allowed water to seep through
• A porous surface can harbor bacteria

Use when indicating that a material allows liquids or gases to pass through it. Frequently used in geology, biology, and environmental science to describe layers of soil, membranes, or fabrics.

• The permeable membrane allowed the nutrients to pass through
• Permeable pavement helps reduce runoff

Use when emphasizing the capacity of a material to soak up liquids. Commonly used for towels, paper, fabrics, and other materials designed to take in moisture.

• This absorbent towel quickly dried my hands
• The soil is very absorbent and holds a lot of water

Use when noting that something can be entered or pierced by a substance or force. Often used in scientific, mechanical, or technical contexts to describe materials or barriers.

• The fortress walls were no longer impenetrable
• The new coating made the fabric less penetrable by water

Used to describe materials or surfaces that have many small holes allowing liquids or gases to pass through easily.

• The soil in this area is very porous, which helps with drainage.
• We need a porous filter to allow air to pass through.

Used in scientific or technical contexts to describe materials that allow fluids to pass through them.

• The membrane is permeable to water but not to large molecules.
• The material was found to be highly permeable to gases.

Describes something that can be easily penetrated or entered, often implying a lack of strength or defense.

• The fortress was supposed to be impenetrable, but it turned out to be easily penetrable.
• With regular maintenance, this wall is no longer penetrable by rainwater.

Informal term often used to describe something that has many holes, often due to wear or damage. Can sometimes have a negative connotation indicating poor quality or neglect.

• His shirt was so holey that he decided to throw it away.
• I need to get rid of these holey socks; they are not comfortable to wear anymore.