permeable

American  

[pur-mee-uh-buhl] / ˈpɜr mi ə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being permeated.

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permeable British  

/ ˈpɜːmɪəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being permeated, esp by liquids

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permeable Scientific  

/ pûr′mē-ə-bəl /

1. Capable of being passed through or permeated, especially by liquids or gases.

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Usage

What does permeable mean? Permeable means able to be penetrated or passed through, especially by a liquid or gas. The verb permeate means to penetrate, pass through, and often become widespread throughout something. Similar words are pervade and saturate. Permeate can be used both in the context of the physical spread of something within a space and in more figurative ways. Water permeates the soil. Dye permeates fabric. An idea can permeate someone’s mind. In these cases, the fabric and the mind could be described as permeable. The adjective permeating describes things that have permeated or have the ability to permeate, as in Social media has become a permeating aspect of our lives. Example: Permeable surfaces should be sealed to prevent leaks.

Other Word Forms

• nonpermeable
  adjective
• permeableness
  noun
• permeably
  adverb
• unpermeable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of permeable

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin permeābilis, equivalent to permeā ( re ) to permeate + -bilis -ble

Compare meaning

How does permeable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• permeable vs. impermeable

Explanation

Something that is permeable can be passed through, especially by liquids or gases. "I wish I hadn't worn my permeable sweater to the picnic when the weatherman called for thunderstorms. The rain seeped right through the fabric, soaking me to the skin." A permeable surface allows materials like liquids to pass through — either in or out. Inside the body, the walls of cells are permeable membranes that allow fluids and nutrients to get in and nourish the cells. A permeable shirt is good to wear in the summer, because it helps release the sweat sticking to the skin.

Example Sentences

Permeable pavements are sometimes installed in a new subdivision or a road undergoing repair, but the cost of replacing existing roads and parking lots is high.

From Science Daily • Jan. 25, 2024

Permeable surfaces and coarse mulch help capture and hold water in the ground, where it belongs and where plant roots can access it.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023

Permeable membranes called separators are used to prevent contact between the electrodes, and thus stop short circuits, while allowing the flow of electrolyte.

From Nature • Oct. 27, 2015

Permeable paving, which helps control rainwater runoff, is more expensive than asphalt.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2015

Permeable streets come at a cost, often twice as much per square foot as a typical asphalt street.

From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2014