How Do You Spell PERVIOUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɜːvɪəs] (IPA)

Pervious is a word that describes a material or surface that allows liquids or gases to pass through it. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of spoken language. Pervious is pronounced /ˈpɜː.vɪ.əs/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" in the second syllable is pronounced as the short "i" sound, and the "ou" in the third syllable is pronounced as the "uh" sound, as in "but".

PERVIOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Pervious is an adjective that describes something that is able to be penetrated or passed through by substances such as liquids, gases, or particles. It refers to the permeability or openness of a material or surface, indicating the ability of fluids or substances to flow through it.

   In terms of physical structures, pervious is commonly used to describe materials or surfaces that have tiny interconnected spaces or pores, allowing substances to freely pass through. For example, pervious concrete is a type of concrete that has a high porosity, enabling water to be absorbed and infiltrated into the ground below rather than pooling on the surface.

   The term can also be applied to describing the characteristics of soils, indicating their ability to transfer water or other liquids. Pervious soil allows water to percolate through it, preventing excessive runoff and facilitating natural infiltration into the ground.

   In a broader sense, pervious can also pertain to the permeability of membranes or filters, indicating their ability to allow substances to pass through while restricting others. In environmental and ecological contexts, pervious surfaces are often recognized for their importance in sustainable urban planning, as they help in managing stormwater runoff, reducing flooding, and recharging groundwater.

   Overall, pervious refers to the quality of a material, substance, or surface to allow the passage or transport of other substances through its structure or composition.

2. That may be penetrated by another body or substance; admitting passage; penetrable by the mental sight.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Etymology of PERVIOUS

The word pervious is derived from the Latin word pervius, which means passable or allowing passage. It is formed by combining the prefix per- meaning through or passing, and the root word via, meaning way or road. Therefore, pervious essentially means allowing passage through or capable of being penetrated by something.

Similar spelling words for PERVIOUS

• Pervis,
• pervasion.