What does pervious mean?
Pervious refers to a surface, material, or substance that allows fluid or gas to pass through it. This property makes pervious materials useful in applications such as filtration, absorption, and drainage. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's personality or attitude as being open, receptive, or easily influenced. In a technical sense, pervious materials are often contrasted with impervious ones, which block or resist the passage of fluids or gases. Understanding the perviousness of different materials is crucial in various fields, including engineering, geology, and environmental science. The word pervious is derived from the Latin 'pervious,' meaning 'able to be pierced through.'
adjectivePervious refers to a surface or material that allows fluid or gas to pass through it. It is often used to describe something that is permeable or penetrable.
- allowing fluid or gas to pass through
- easily influenced or persuaded
"The pervious soil absorbed the rainwater quickly, preventing puddles from forming."
"The pervious membrane allowed oxygen to reach the roots of the plant."
"Her pervious nature made her an easy target for manipulation."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pervious
The word pervious originates from the Latin 'pervious,' which is derived from 'per-' (meaning 'through') and 'viere' (meaning 'to go'). The Latin term 'pervious' is related to 'pervadere,' meaning 'to go through,' and has evolved into various English words related to permeability and penetration. Pervious has been used in English since the 15th century to describe materials or surfaces that allow fluid or gas to pass through.
How pervious is actually used
Pervious is often used in technical contexts, such as geology or engineering, to describe the properties of materials. It can also be used more broadly to describe someone's personality or attitude.