ClimateAugust 17, 2026
impermeable
im-PUR-mee-uh-bul
Definition
Not allowing fluid to pass through; in the context of urban planning, referring to surfaces like concrete and asphalt that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'impermeabilis', formed by the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'permeabilis' (able to be passed through), ultimately from the verb 'permeare' (to pass through).
In the news
The article uses 'impermeable' to explain how replacing natural vegetation with concrete and asphalt prevents soil absorption, directly contributing to increased flooding and runoff in Abuja.
The Consequences of Distorting the Abuja Master Plan.
Read the full article ↗Politics Digest