undurchlässig

Undurchlässig is a German adjective that translates to impermeable, impervious, or watertight in English. It describes a material or substance that does not allow fluids, gases, or other substances to pass through it. This property is crucial in various scientific, engineering, and everyday applications.

In physics and chemistry, the concept of undurchlässig is central to understanding diffusion, osmosis, and the behavior of barriers. For example, a cell membrane is largely undurchlässig to certain molecules, regulating their passage. In materials science, materials are tested for their undurchlässig properties when used in applications like protective clothing, packaging, or containment systems.

Engineering uses the term undurchlässig to describe materials that prevent leakage in structures such as dams, pipelines, and roofing. Waterproofing membranes are designed to be undurchlässig to water, protecting buildings from moisture damage. Similarly, in the automotive industry, seals and gaskets must be undurchlässig to prevent the escape of oils, fuels, and coolant, and to keep out external contaminants.

In a more general context, undurchlässig can also refer to something that is unyielding or inflexible, such as an undurchlässig attitude or an undurchlässig defense. However, its primary and most common meaning relates to the physical property of preventing penetration.