porous

adjective

po·​rous ˈpȯr-əs How to pronounce porous (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bleach also does not deal with roots of mold colonies growing on porous surfaces. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 Social media and hybrid workplaces have made our environments even more porous such that contagion spreads faster—emotionally and professionally. Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Mold spores can cling to porous surfaces, and even after washing, lingering odors or stains might leave you unsure if the container is truly clean. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025 The best versions have carbon filters with porous surfaces that trap the gas molecules of VOCs, taking them out of the air. Matt Fuchs, Time, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for porous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of porous was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Porous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

porous

adjective
po·​rous ˈpōr-əs How to pronounce porous (audio)
ˈpȯr-
1
: full of pores
2
: capable of absorbing liquids

Medical Definition

porous

adjective
po·​rous ˈpōr-əs, ˈpȯr- How to pronounce porous (audio)
1
: possessing or full of pores
porous bones
2
: permeable to fluids

More from Merriam-Webster on porous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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