permeability

[ pur-mee-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the property or state of being permeable.
2. Also called magnetic permeability. Electricity. a measure of the change in magnetic induction produced when a magnetic material replaces air, expressed as a coefficient or a set of coefficients that multiply the components of magnetic intensity to give the components of magnetic induction.
3. Geology. the capability of a porous rock or sediment to permit the flow of fluids through its pore spaces.
4. Aeronautics. the rate at which gas is lost through the envelope of an aerostat, usually expressed as the number of liters thus diffused in one day through a square meter.
5. Nautical. the capacity of a space in a vessel to absorb water, measured with reference to its temporary or permanent contents and expressed as a percentage of the total volume of the space.

permeability

/ ˌpɜːmɪəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being permeable
2. a measure of the response of a medium to a magnetic field, expressed as the ratio of the magnetic flux density in the medium to the field strength; measured in henries per metre μ See also relative permeability magnetic constant
3. civil engineering the rate of diffusion of a fluid under pressure through soil
4. the rate at which gas diffuses through the surface of a balloon or airship, usually expressed in litres per square metre per day

permeability

/ pûr′mē-ə-bĭl′ĭ-tē /

1. The ability of a substance to allow another substance to pass through it, especially the ability of a porous rock, sediment, or soil to transmit fluid through pores and cracks. Geologic permeability is usually measured in millidarcies.
2. See more at darcy
3. Magnetic permeability.

Other Words From

• nonper·me·a·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of permeability¹

First recorded in 1750–60; perme(able) + -ability ( def )

Example Sentences

In celiac disease, there's debate about the early stages of increased permeability.

From Science Daily

During heavy exercise, the stomach produces less acid than usual and gut permeability increases, meaning that small molecules in your gut are more likely to escape across the membrane into your blood.

From Salon

The researchers brought back a cache of rocks to UT, where they tested their permeability and elastic properties.

From Science Daily

Shale formations have low permeability, meaning gas does not move through the rock easily.

From Science Daily

By increasing the permeability of the rock, energies such as heat and hydrocarbons are able to more easily reach the surface.

From Science Daily

More About Permeability

What does permeability mean?

Permeability is the quality or state of being permeable—able to be penetrated or passed through, especially by a liquid or gas.

The verb permeate means to penetrate, pass through, and often become widespread throughout something. Similar words are pervade and saturate.

Permeate can be used both in the context of the physical spread of something within a space and in more figurative ways. Water permeates the soil. Dye permeates fabric. An idea can permeate someone’s mind. In these cases, the fabric and the mind could be described as permeable.

Things that are permeable have different levels of permeability. For example, certain materials may easily absorb liquid, while others may only allow small amounts of liquid to permeate their surface.

The word permeability is used in several more specific ways in the context of ships, aircraft, electricity, and geology.

Example: This type of stone was chosen for its permeability—it absorbs water.

Where does permeability come from?

The first records of the word permeability come from around 1760. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb permeāre, meaning “to pass through.”

Things that permeate often pass through some barrier or threshold—physical or otherwise—and then spread out. For this to happen, such barriers, thresholds, and surfaces must have a level of permeability. In physical contexts, this often involves a porous membrane for liquids and gases to pass. Increasing the permeability of some outdoor surfaces can help water to be absorbed into the ground and reduce runoff.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to permeability?

• nonpermeability
• permeable (adjective)
• permeate (verb)

What are some synonyms for permeable?

• porousness

What are some words that share a root or word element with permeability? 

• permeation
• permeance
• permease

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing permeability?

• surface
• layer
• membrane
• porous
• material
• absorb
• water
• liquid
• gas
• diffuse
• diffusion

How is permeability used in real life?

Permeability is most often used in scientific and technical contexts.

Opportunity of a dedicated streetcar right of way: permeable green surface beautifies and buffers sound. #Rotterdam pic.twitter.com/QQVMRjEvcb

— Jennifer Keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) June 13, 2017

Map of the Principal Aquifers of the US. An aquifer is a geologic formation, a group of formations, or a part of a formation that contains sufficient saturated permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells and springs. Source: https://t.co/vafgbHr6ua pic.twitter.com/cRRPpfSNqy

— Simon Kuestenmacher (@simongerman600) May 26, 2020

New in Disaster Lit: Fate and Transport of Chemical Warfare Agents VX and HD Across a Permeable Layer of Paint or … https://t.co/la2wvvvMDA

— NLM Disaster Info (@NLM_DIMRC) March 14, 2017

 

 

Try using permeability!

Is permeability used correctly in the following sentence?

The permeability of the liquid will help it to penetrate this material.