adj
porous
PAW-ruhs
adj
1
Having many tiny holes that let liquid or gas pass through.
"Porous rock absorbs rainwater like a sponge."
2
Having gaps or weaknesses that let things through, especially figuratively.
"The country's porous borders made smuggling easy."
How to Use Porous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFull of tiny holes that let things pass through — literally (like rock or fabric) or figuratively (like a weak border or defense).
Common pairings
porous rock
porous skin
porous border
porous defense
Word Forms
more porous comparative, most porous superlative
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_____ rock absorbs rainwater like a sponge.
Etymology
From Old French poros, ultimately from Latin porus ("an opening"), the same root as "pore".