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

Maldonado recommends a gloss or color refresh approximately every six to eight weeks, depending on your starting color, porosity, and how well your hair holds pigment, something your colorist will be able to determine. — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026

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

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