permeable
What does "permeable" mean?
The word "permeable" describes a material or membrane that allows liquids or gases to pass through it. Think of a sponge or a piece of fabric; because they have tiny holes or gaps, they let water or air move from one side to the other rather than acting as a solid barrier. In usage, it is most common in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts. You will often hear it used when discussing "permeable surfaces" in urban planning, which help rain soak into the ground, or "semi-permeable membranes" in biology, which selectively control what enters and exits a cell.
"permeable" in conversation
Discussing home renovation
Should we use concrete or permeable pavers for the driveway?
Should we use concrete or permeable pavers for the driveway?
Let's go with permeable ones so the rainwater drains into the soil instead of flooding the street.
Let's go with permeable ones so the rainwater drains into the soil instead of flooding the street.
Used to describe materials that manage water drainage.
Biology study session
Is the cell membrane considered permeable to all substances?
Is the cell membrane considered permeable to all substances?
No, it's selectively permeable, meaning it only lets certain molecules pass through.
No, it's selectively permeable, meaning it only lets certain molecules pass through.
Highlights the distinction between general permeability and selective permeability.
"permeable" in a sentence
The tent fabric is not permeable to heavy rain.
The tent fabric is not permeable to heavy rain.
The soil in this area is highly permeable, which prevents standing water.
The soil in this area is highly permeable, which prevents standing water.
The semi-permeable membrane allows solvent molecules to pass but blocks larger solutes.
The semi-permeable membrane allows solvent molecules to pass but blocks larger solutes.
