the permeability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the permeability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, geology, or materials science, where it refers to the ability of a material to allow fluids or gases to pass through it. Example: "The permeability of the soil affects how quickly water drains after heavy rainfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's that characteristic playfulness about the permeability of memory and imagination.

The New York Times - Books

Besides creating surprise aural effects, the arrangement highlights the permeability of the membrane between public and private space.

The New York Times

Mr. Sheff is fascinated by the permeability of truth and deception and by the way people willingly let themselves be deceived by art's fantasies.

The New York Times

The novel is circadian at one level – one narrative happens over one day – but Self's interest in the permeability of selves gifts the reader a constellation of connections.

The Guardian - Books

Source-hunting can lend insight into the nature of originality, the shifting interplay between themes and memes, the permeability of cultural barriers.

The Guardian - Books

Omega-3s appear to play an important role in neurological development and processing, the permeability of cell walls, the metabolism of glucose and the calming of inflammation.

The New York Times - Magazine

section, the permeability of its product: "Yep, easy — the Morphsuit is thin, totally breathable and will let you pour your drink (water we presume) straight through it!

The New Yorker

The permeability, μm2.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Inadequate validation of the permeability test method.

AAPS Open

Therefore, the permeability of concrete is reduced.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

(a) Variations with the permeability exponent, ω.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "the permeability" of a specific material, always specify the substance that is permeating it to provide clarity. For example, say "the permeability of the membrane to water" rather than just "the permeability of the membrane".

Common error

Avoid using "the permeability" without providing sufficient context. Saying a material has "high permeability" is vague. Specify what the material is permeable to, such as "high permeability to gases" or "high permeability to liquids".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the permeability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it refers to a specific property of a material.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the permeability" is a noun phrase that refers to the property of a material that allows fluids to pass through it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in scientific and technical fields. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, it's essential to provide sufficient context by specifying what a material is permeable to. As a reminder, always clarify the substance passing through the material to enhance understanding and avoid ambiguity. Related terms include "the seepage rate", "the degree of perviousness", and "the material's porosity", each offering slightly different perspectives on the same core concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the property of being porous

Expresses permeability as a characteristic linked to porosity.

the degree of perviousness

Uses a different term, "perviousness", to convey the extent to which something allows passage.

the ease of passage

Replaces "permeability" with a more general phrase indicating how easily substances can pass through.

the material's porosity

Refers to the measure of void spaces in a material, which affects permeability.

the seepage rate

Focuses specifically on the rate at which fluid seeps through a material, narrowing the scope from general permeability.

the rate of penetration

Highlights the speed at which a substance penetrates a material, altering the emphasis.

the flow capacity

Highlights the capacity of a material to allow flow, emphasizing the amount that can pass through rather than the property itself.

the capacity for infiltration

Emphasizes the capacity of a material to allow infiltration of substances.

the transmission coefficient

Emphasizes the quantifiable measure of transmission, moving slightly away from the intrinsic property.

the level of absorbency

Shifts the focus to absorption rather than simple passage, implying a different mechanism.

FAQs

How is "the permeability" measured in scientific contexts?

Permeability is typically measured using Darcy's Law, which relates the flow rate of a fluid through a porous medium to the pressure gradient and the viscosity of the fluid. Different methods exist for different materials and fluids, but the underlying principle remains the same.

What factors affect "the permeability" of a material?

Factors affecting permeability include the material's porosity, pore size distribution, interconnectivity of pores, and the properties of the fluid passing through it, such as viscosity and surface tension. Temperature and pressure can also influence permeability.

Which materials typically exhibit high "the permeability"?

Materials with high permeability include sand, gravel, and fractured rock. These materials have large, interconnected pores that allow fluids to flow easily through them.

How does "the permeability" differ from porosity?

"The permeability" refers to a material's ability to transmit fluids, while porosity is the measure of void spaces within the material. A material can have high porosity but low permeability if the pores are not interconnected.