Definition

Having holes or openings, similar to a sieve.

Example

The cribrous material allowed water to pass through while filtering out larger particles.

Conversation

I was reading about different types of filters, and some are quite cribrous.

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they have a lot of tiny holes, like a sieve.

Oh, that makes sense! I guess they are great for separating things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cribrous is derived from the Latin word "cribrosus" (meaning full of holes or perforated), which comes from "cribrum" (meaning sieve or strainer). The suffix "-ous" indicates possessing or full of. Thus, cribrous refers to something that is full of holes or perforations, resembling a sieve.

Memory Tip

Think of a sieve or strainer ('cribrum') that is 'full of holes' ('cribrosus') — that's why cribrous describes something that has many holes.

Visually Confused Words