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

Seeking a more effective alternative, some groups are developing bone-like porous materials that are placed in the deficit instead of real bone. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2025

This was one of the most porous nights of the Leafs’ season. —Omar White, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024

The porous material lets silicon expand without damage, and the scaffolding admits lithium ions without causing harmful reactions with the electrolyte. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Dec. 2024

Because of its porous, foam-like structure, the sponge has also been used to model shock absorbers and exotic forms of space-time. —Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 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