Permeable Meaning and Definition
Permeable
Pronunciation
/ˈpərməˌbəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Allowing liquids, gases, or fine particles to pass through it; capable of being penetrated or pierced.
Examples
- The soil has permeable layers that allow water to seep through.
- The membrane is semipermeable, allowing certain molecules to pass through.
Etymology
From medieval Latin permeeabilis, from Latin per-‘through’ + meabilis-‘able to be handled’
Usage Notes
Permeable is often used to describe materials, substances, or systems that allow some kind of flow or penetration.
Cultural References
In science fiction, permeable membranes are often used to depict advanced technologies or alien biology.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Coverage rate
- Penetration level
Related Words or Phrases
- Permeate
- Impermeable
- Porous
Collocations
- Permeable membrane
- Porosity of the material
Frequency of Use
Permeable is a relatively uncommon word in everyday conversation, but it is frequently used in technical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Permeibl
- Permeible