impervious
adjective
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something. Describes both physical resistance and emotional immunity.
Etymology
From Latin "impervius" (that cannot be passed through), from "in" (not) + "pervius" (letting things through), from "per" (through) + "via" (way).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The material was impervious to water and heat."
- 2.
"She seemed impervious to criticism, continuing undeterred."
- 3.
"The compound proved impervious to standard solvents."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Gore-Tex fabric is "impervious" to liquid water but permeable to water vapor. This paradox works because water vapor molecules are smaller than liquid droplets, allowing perspiration to escape while blocking rain.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 10 letters (I, M, P, E, R, V, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 17 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "IMPERVIOUS" appears in many related words.
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