impermeable

adjective

im·​per·​me·​able (ˌ)im-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl How to pronounce impermeable (audio)
: not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through its substance
broadly : impervious

Examples of impermeable in a Sentence

an impermeable layer of rock a fabric impermeable to moisture
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clay deposits, forming an impermeable layer, result in waterlogged soil. David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 There is a retention pond to capture heavy rain, minimum impermeable surfaces, and any runoff is directed to trees and plants. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The Chinese-Russian relationship is not impermeable, and the United States should not shy away from proactive measures to exploit its fissures. Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2021 It was given a raffia twist at both Longchamp and Sandro — there in a black-and-white striped version — as well as the impermeable and big-brimmed update at Aigle. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impermeable 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin impermeabilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin permeabilis permeable

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impermeable was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near impermeable

Cite this Entry

“Impermeable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impermeable. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

impermeable

adjective
im·​per·​me·​able (ˈ)im-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl How to pronounce impermeable (audio)
: not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through the material of which it is made

Medical Definition

impermeable

adjective
im·​per·​me·​able (ˈ)im-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl How to pronounce impermeable (audio)
: not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through its substance
the plasma membrane of a red blood cell is relatively impermeable to sodium and calcium ions
impermeability noun
plural impermeabilities

More from Merriam-Webster on impermeable

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