permeability
n.n. the ability of a material to allow something like water or gas to pass through it. It is often used to describe how easily a liquid moves through soil or rock.
n. the property of a material that allows the passage of a fluid or gas through its pores or interstices. Often used in geology to describe the capacity of a rock to transmit fluids.
The high permeability of the sand allows water to flow through it easily.
Engineers must test the permeability of the soil before deciding where to build the new foundation.
The geological survey revealed that the aquifer's permeability was significantly higher than previously estimated, suggesting a much greater potential for water extraction during the dry season.
From French perméabilité, equivalent to permeable + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 19, 2026