Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not allowing the passage of fluids or air through small holes; lacking pores or tiny openings. Describes a material that is dense and impermeable, meaning liquids or gases cannot soak into or pass through it.
   • Specifically, in biology/botany, not having vessels that appear as pores. Used to describe tissues, especially wood, that lacks visible pore structures.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • A nonporous surface like glass or stainless steel is easier to clean and disinfect.
  • The countertop is made from a nonporous composite material, so it won't stain.
  • The botanist studied the nonporous wood under a microscope.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Scientific Context: The term is often used in materials science, construction, biology, and chemistry to specify the impermeable quality of a substance.
  • For this experiment, we require a nonporous membrane to separate the two chambers.
• Comparative Usage: Often used in contrast with "porous" to highlight a key difference in material properties.
  • Unlike porous concrete, the nonporous sealant prevents water damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Impermeable (adj): Not allowing fluid to pass through. (A close synonym, often used interchangeably with "nonporous" for surfaces).
• Impervious (adj): Not allowing entrance or passage; impenetrable. (Slightly stronger, can be used for nonporous materials).
• Dense (adj): Closely compacted in substance. (Describes the physical structure that leads to being nonporous).
• Porous (adj): The direct antonym, meaning full of tiny holes that allow passage.

Synonyms

• Impermeable
• Impervious
• Airtight (in specific contexts)
• Watertight (in specific contexts)

Antonyms

• Porous
• Permeable
• Absorbent

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Nonporous material: A common compound noun referring to any substance with this property.
  • Granite is a popular nonporous material for kitchen counters.

Adjective

1. not porous; especially not having vessels that appear as pores
   • nonporous wood