permeable
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “permeable” mean?
adjective.allowing liquids or gases to pass through it.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in science or environmental passages, particularly when discussing materials, ecosystems, or filtration processes. It emphasizes the ability of substances to allow movement through them, highlighting concepts of interaction and exchange, and differs from "impermeable," which denotes a complete barrier to such passage.
Common Confusions
Permeable implies the ability to allow substances to pass through, while impermeable usually suggests a complete obstruction or barrier that prevents any passage.
Do not choose permeable if the context emphasizes solidity or impermeability rather than allowing liquids or gases to pass through it.
Example Sentences
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Rainwater sinks through permeable rock to form an underground reservoir.