Porous Meaning
/ˈpɔːɹəs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjFull of tiny pores that allow fluids or gasses to pass through.
adjWith many gaps or loopholes.
Sentence Examples
The countries have competing claims to villages and towns along the porous, undefined border.
Her hair is rather porous.
White glue can be used on any smooth, porous surface.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Because it has many tiny holes, the rock is ____ and lets water through.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ material allowed water to pass through slowly, making it ideal for drainage systems.
Word Origin & History
From Old French poros, from Latin porus (“an opening”). By surface analysis, pore + -ous.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"However, Wolves ^([sic]) porous defence opened up again to gift Sunderland a foothold in the game - Sessegnon sweeping in a Zenden corner that was inexplicably allowed to bounce in the six-yard box."
— 2011 May 14, Peter Scrivener, “Sunderland 1 - 3 Wolverhampton”, in BBC Sport:
"[…] a porous border consequently positioned migrants from Mexico and ethnic Mexicans residing in the United States as potential terrorists."
— 2012, Miguel Antonio Levario, Militarizing the Border: When Mexicans Became the Enemy, page 125:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Because it has many tiny holes, the rock is ____ and lets water through.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ material allowed water to pass through slowly, making it ideal for drainage systems.