Porousness: meaning, definitions and examples

🧽

Add to dictionary

porousness

[ˈpɔːrəsnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical property

The quality or state of being porous, having small holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.

Synonyms

penetrability, permeability, porosity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
porousness	Generally used interchangeably with porousness, focusing on the quality of having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass. The porousness of this sponge makes it very absorbent This type of wood has a natural porousness that affects its durability
porosity	Frequently used to describe the ratio of the void spaces within a material to its total volume, often in geology, material science, and construction. The porosity of sandstone makes it a good reservoir rock High porosity in concrete can lead to structural weaknesses
permeability	Commonly found in discussions regarding fluids, gases, and their ability to move through materials, often in fields like geology, physics, and engineering. The permeability of the membrane allows selective molecules to pass through Groundwater flow is greatly influenced by the permeability of the rock layer
penetrability	Used to describe how easily something can be entered or passed through, often in a more general or non-scientific sense. The penetrability of the fortress walls was a concern for the defenders This glass has high penetrability to ultraviolet rays

Examples of usage

The porousness of the sponge allows it to absorb water easily.
Due to the porousness of the rock, water seeps through it quickly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

metaphorical usage

The vulnerability or openness to influence or attack.

Synonyms

openness, susceptibility, vulnerability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
porousness	Describes the quality of having tiny holes or spaces through which liquid or air may pass. Often used in scientific or technical contexts. The porousness of the soil allows for better water drainage. Due to its high porousness, the material is ideal for filtration processes.
vulnerability	Refers to the quality of being easily harmed or attacked, either physically or emotionally. It often carries a negative connotation. The security system's vulnerability was exposed by hackers. Her emotional vulnerability made her more empathetic towards others.
susceptibility	Indicates the likelihood of being influenced or harmed by a particular factor. Often used in medical, psychological, or environmental contexts. Children's susceptibility to colds increases during the winter months. His susceptibility to peer pressure led him to make poor decisions.
openness	Refers to the quality of being open to new ideas, experiences, or people. It is often used in social or psychological contexts. Her openness to new cultures made her a great traveler. The company's openness to feedback has significantly improved its customer satisfaction.

Examples of usage

The porousness of the country's borders led to increased security concerns.
His porousness to criticism made him sensitive to feedback.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'porosus', meaning 'full of pores' or 'having openings'.
The use of 'porous' in English dates back to the 15th century, showcasing its longstanding presence in scientific vocabulary.
It is related to the Greek word 'poros', which means 'pore' or 'passage', linking the concept to both structure and function.

Science

Porous materials like stone or soil play a crucial role in environmental science as they affect water filtration and groundwater recharge.
In geology, the porousness of rocks determines how easily fluids can move through them, impacting oil and gas production.
The study of porousness also extends to biology, where the porosity of cell membranes influences nutrient absorption.

Everyday Life

Materials like concrete and ceramics are engineered to be porous for specific uses, like building structures that can withstand weather.
Porous items are commonly used in kitchens, such as dish sponges or coffee filters, designed to allow liquid to pass through while retaining solids.
Artists use porous surfaces like canvas or paper to create textures in painting, making the material integral to the artwork.

Technology

Modern technology utilizes porous materials in filtration systems, such as water purifiers that remove impurities.
Research in nanotechnology explores the design of highly porous materials for applications in drug delivery and environmental cleanup.
3D printing has advanced the creation of complex porous structures that combine strength with lightweight characteristics, applicable in aerospace and automotive fields.

Cultural References

In poetry and literature, porousness is often used metaphorically to represent openness and the ability to absorb new ideas and experiences.
Some ancient architectural designs, particularly in Mediterranean regions, utilized porous materials for better climate control in buildings.
In psychology, the concept of being 'porous' can symbolize emotional vulnerability, where individuals allow external influences to affect their feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "porousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 porosidade

🇮🇳 छिद्रता (chidrta)

🇩🇪 Porosität

🇮🇩 porositas

🇺🇦 пористість

🇵🇱 porowatość

🇯🇵 多孔性 (たこうせい, takōsei)

🇫🇷 porosité

🇪🇸 porosidad

🇹🇷 gözeneklilik

🇰🇷 다공성 (dagongseong)

🇸🇦 مسامية (masamiya)

🇨🇿 porozita

🇸🇰 porozita

🇨🇳 多孔性 (duōkǒngxìng)

🇸🇮 poroznost

🇮🇸 gegndræpi

🇰🇿 көпқұрылымдылық (kópqurylmdylyq)

🇬🇪 ფორიანობა (porianoba)

🇦🇿 gözeneklilik

🇲🇽 porosidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,912, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

...
40909 fogginess
40910 dictatorially
40911 sourest
40912 porousness
40913 wiliest
40914 ethereally
40915 towheaded
...