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Definition of porous

porous

/ˈpɔːr.əs/
por · ous
Adverb:porously
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porous Lexical Profile

porous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass; permeable to fluids.

Example

"Sandstone is a highly porous rock that holds large amounts of groundwater."

2

Not secure or well-protected; allowing people or things to pass or cross easily (especially of a border or defense).

Example

"Customs officials struggled to monitor smuggling across the country's long, porous border."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for porous

• Nearby Words

pornography
porny
porosity
porous
porousness
porpoise
porridge

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French poreux, from Medieval Latin porosus, derived from Latin porus ('pore'), which comes from Ancient Greek poros ('passage' or 'way').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Porous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/porous
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