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permeability

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpɜːrmɪəˈbɪləti/

KK: /pɜrˈmiːəˌbɪlɪti/

noun
Definition

The ability of a material to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.


Example

The permeability of the soil affects how quickly water drains away.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about permeability in materials science?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's about how easily liquids or gases can flow through a substance, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I was reading that it can really affect things like soil and water movement.
Sloth B
That makes sense — understanding permeability is important for engineering projects.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
porosity
penetrability
diffusivity
Antonyms
impermeability
solidness
density
Root Explanation

Permeability → It is formed from "per-" (meaning through) and "meare" (from Latin "merere", meaning to pass or to measure). The word describes the quality of a material that allows substances to pass through it.

Memory Tip

Think of something that allows things to pass 'through' ('per-') — that's why permeability means the ability to let substances move through.

Visually Confused Words
impermeability
nonpermeability
operability
semipermeability
perceivability
fermentability
superability
prestability
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