adjective
porous
POR-us/ˈpɔːrəs/
Allowing things to pass through openings or gaps.
The porous sponge absorbs the trickling water.
Etymology
Porous means full of pores, whose Greek name literally meant passages. The small holes are thus understood as routes through a material, explaining why it lets liquid or air through.
In context
These 3D printed bricks happen to be able to be very porous and absorb water like a sponge
More examples
- The porous border was difficult to monitor.
- Air moved easily through the porous material.
- The organization’s porous boundaries allowed ideas to circulate.
Forms
porous · more porous · most porous
porosity noun — the presence of openings that allow passage
Similar words
- permeable
- Permeable means allowing passage; porous specifically suggests openings or gaps through which passage occurs.
- spongy
- Spongy describes a soft, absorbent texture; porous material need not be soft.