porous
porous
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "porous" is:
British English: /ˈpɔːrəs/
American English: /(ˈ)pɔrəs/ or /ˈpoʊrəs/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (por-):
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop (similar to the "p" sound in "pie")
/ɔː/ - long back rounded vowel (similar to the "aw" sound in "paw")
Second syllable (-ous):
/ə/ - schwa (a central vowel sound) in most pronunciations (British and some American)
/ʊ/ - short close back rounded vowel (similar to the "oo" sound in "boot") (possible pronunciation in some American dialects)
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative (similar to the "s" sound in "sip")
Word Form Variations
The word "porous" has very few variations since it functions solely as an adjective. Here's the breakdown:
Singular: porous (used to describe a single noun, e.g., "a porous rock")
Plural: porous (remains the same for plural nouns, e.g., "porous rocks")
Comparative: more porous (used to compare the level of porosity between two things, e.g., "This sponge is more porous than the brick")
Superlative: most porous (used to indicate the highest level of porosity among a group of things, e.g., "This type of bone is the most porous in the human body")
There are no gerund (ing form), past participle, or noun forms of "porous."
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Having many small holes or spaces that allow liquids or gases to pass through. (This is the most common definition)
Synonyms: permeable, absorbent, spongy, holey, leaky
Antonyms: nonporous, impermeable, solid, airtight, watertight
Figuratively, easily influenced or penetrated by outside ideas or forces. (Less common)
Synonyms: open, accessible, receptive, vulnerable
Antonyms: closed off, insular, impenetrable, resistant
Examples of Use
1. Science & Technology:
"The researchers developed a new type of porous material for use in water filters, allowing clean water to pass through while trapping contaminants" (Science Daily article on water filtration technology).
2. Construction & Materials:
"Porous concrete allows rainwater to seep through, reducing runoff and replenishing groundwater supplies" (Newspaper article about sustainable building practices).
3. Cooking & Food:
"For perfectly crispy fried chicken, choose a porous cut of meat like bone-in thighs, which allows the marinade to penetrate deeper" (Recipe website).
4. Biology & Medicine:
"Bones are surprisingly porous, with tiny holes that help make them lightweight yet strong" (Educational documentary about the human skeleton).
5. Literature:
"The old wooden door was porous with age, letting in drafts and whispers from the hallway" (Gothic novel creating a spooky atmosphere).
6. Entertainment (Movies/TV):
"In the sci-fi movie, the alien creature had a porous exoskeleton, vulnerable to certain types of weapons" (Dialogue from a science fiction film).
7. General Public Discourse:
"She has a very porous personality, always open to new ideas and making friends easily" (Casual conversation describing someone's openness).
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Porous
While there aren't many famous quotes that explicitly use the word "porous," here are ten quotes that capture similar ideas of permeability, openness, or vulnerability:
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch (Greek philosopher) (This quote emphasises the open and receptive nature of the mind)
"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins (American author) (This quote highlights the gradual influence of something seemingly weak)
"No wall can ever contain the human spirit." - Helen Keller (American author and activist) (This quote emphasises the idea of human resilience and defying barriers)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (Greek philosopher) (This quote highlights the importance of remaining open to learning)
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire (French writer and philosopher) (This quote emphasises the value of questioning and open-mindedness)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (Founder of Buddhism) (This quote highlights the influence of thoughts on our perception of the world)
"The earth has music for those who listen." - William Shakespeare (English playwright) (This quote emphasises receptivity and openness to external stimuli)
"The brick walls are there for a reason. The faker will go back home. The true will try to climb it, break through it." - Shia LaBeouf (American actor) (This quote highlights the concept of overcoming barriers)
"A single crack can ruin a reputation." - Confucius (Chinese philosopher) (This quote emphasises the vulnerability created by openness)
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." - Peter Drucker (Management consultant) (This quote highlights the pervasive influence of cultural norms and values)
Etymology
The word "porous" comes from a long journey that started with ancient Greeks! Here's the breakdown in simpler terms:
Origin: Ancient Greece - They had a word "poros" which meant "passage" or "way." Imagine a small path through a mountain.
Evolution: The word "poros" travelled to Latin, which was another ancient language. In Latin, it became "porus" and still meant a small opening or passage.
Shifting Meaning: Fast forward a bit, and Old French borrowed the word "porus" from Latin. In Old French, it morphed slightly to "pore" which started to refer to a tiny hole or opening, not just a general passage.
English Borrowing: Finally, English borrowed the word "pore" from Old French in the late 1300s. Soon after, around the 1400s, English speakers created the adjective "porous" based on "pore." So, "porous" literally means "full of tiny passages" which is exactly how it's used today!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Porous
While there aren't a vast number of idioms directly using "porous," here are some phrases and figurative uses of the word "porous" that expand its meaning beyond just physical materials:
Porous defence: This is commonly used in sports commentary to describe a team that allows opponents to easily score points due to weaknesses in their strategy or execution. (e.g., "The team's porous defence is a major concern going into the playoffs.")
Porous memory: This is a more informal way to describe someone who forgets things easily. (e.g., "I have a porous memory, so I need to write everything down.")
Porous borders: This refers to a national border that is easily crossed illegally, often due to lack of security or enforcement. (e.g., "The porous borders are contributing to the rise in human trafficking.")
Porous society: This is a more figurative way to describe a society that is open to outside influences, ideas, or cultures. (e.g., "Living in a globalised world has made our society more porous.")
Become porous to (something): This emphasises how someone or something becomes more receptive or vulnerable to outside influences. (e.g., "After the trauma, she became porous to negativity.")
Posts Related to Porous
Source Information
Definition of porous from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.