porosity

noun

po·​ros·​i·​ty pə-ˈrä-sə-tē 

pȯ-

plural porosities

1

a

: the quality or state of being porous

b

: the ratio of the volume of interstices of a material to the volume of its mass

2

: pore

Examples of porosity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The science behind Strand Serum starts with porosity — the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, according to the brand. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Our wine ages for a full year in French oak, where the wood’s precise porosity allows just the right exchange with oxygen — softening the wine, concentrating its aromas and flavours, building complexity no machine can replicate. — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

The damage includes changes in the rocks’ porosity, or tiny hole structures on their surfaces, believed to result from historical emission levels. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

This simulated fast charging across various electrode thicknesses, porosities, and binder distributions to map lithium-ion movement, pinpoint lithium plating, and isolate structural stress. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for porosity

• atrocity
• ferocity
• monstrosity
• pomposity
• precocity
• schistosity
• velocity
• verbosity
• viscosity
• animosity
• curiosity
• generosity

Kids Definition

porosity

noun

po·​ros·​i·​ty pə-ˈräs-ət-ē 

pōr-ˈäs-, 

pȯ-ˈräs-

plural porosities

: the quality or state of being porous

Medical Definition

porosity

noun

po·​ros·​i·​ty pə-ˈräs-ət-ē, pō-, pȯ- 

plural porosities

1

a

: the quality or state of being porous

b

: the ratio of the volume of interstices of a material to the volume of its mass

2

: pore