porous

adjective

po·​rous ˈpȯr-əs 

1

a

: possessing or full of pores

b

: containing vessels

hardwood is porous

2

a

: permeable to fluids

b

: permeable to outside influences

3

: capable of being penetrated

porous national boundaries

porously adverb

porousness noun

Synonyms

• passable
• penetrable
• permeable
• pervious

Examples of porous in a Sentence

The country has a porous border.

a cleaner that should not be used on porous surfaces

Recent Examples on the Web

Grout, which is porous, can be a breeding ground for these unsightly and potentially hazardous issues. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Most fleeces are also porous enough to let breezes in, which is great for sweat mitigation but bad for comfort amidst 30-mph winds. —Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 31 Oct. 2024

This might sound excessive, but sponges are porous and hold onto food fragments and moisture. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024

The gear’s 20 cubic cooling units are cut from a porous graphite that pulls water in; when wet, the units’ uneven surface increases the area from which moisture can evaporate, amplifying the body's natural cooling mechanism. —Ashley Mateo, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing porous

• diffuse-porous
• ring-porous

Kids Definition

porous

adjective

po·​rous ˈpōr-əs 

ˈpȯr-

1

: full of pores

2

: capable of absorbing liquids

Medical Definition

porous

adjective

po·​rous ˈpōr-əs, ˈpȯr- 

1

: possessing or full of pores

porous bones

2

: permeable to fluids