IMPERMEABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does impermeable mean? 

• IMPERMEABLE (adjective)
  The adjective IMPERMEABLE has 1 sense:

1. preventing especially liquids to pass or diffuse through

  Familiarity information: IMPERMEABLE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPERMEABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Preventing especially liquids to pass or diffuse through

Context example:

a coat impermeable to rain

Similar:

retentive (having the power, capacity, or quality of retaining water)

water-repellent; water-resistant (hindering the penetration of water)

Also:

tight (of such close construction as to be impermeable)

imperviable; impervious (not admitting of passage or capable of being affected)

Antonym:

permeable (allowing fluids or gases to pass or diffuse through)

Derivation:

impermeability; impermeableness (the property of something that cannot be pervaded by a liquid)

 Context examples 

He pointed out a wealth of literature demonstrates graphene’s impermeable qualities.

(Graphene shield shows promise in blocking mosquito bites, National Institutes of Health)

A solid composed of an impermeable occlusive backing, a formulation matrix in which the active and/or inert ingredient(s) are dissolved or dispersed and an adhesive layer.

(Medicated Adhesive Patch Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

The inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to protons on its own, so the energy of the proton gradient is stable, waiting to be recaptured.

(Electron Transport Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)

A solid composed of an impermeable occlusive backing and a formulation matrix in which the active and/or inert ingredient(s) are dissolved or dispersed; possibly includes an adhesive layer.

(Patch Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)