vedenpitävän

Vedenpitävä is a Finnish adjective meaning waterproof or watertight; vedenpitävän is its inflected form used when the adjective modifies a noun in certain grammatical cases (for example, vedenpitävän kalvon, a water-tight membrane). The term is used across technical and industrial language to describe materials, joints, and constructions that resist water intrusion. It is closely linked to the broader concept of waterproofing and is common in construction, textiles, packaging, and electronics.

The core idea is that something described as vedenpitävä prevents water passage under defined conditions, such as rainfall, splashing, or immersion. The degree of protection is specified by standards and tests, such as IP ratings for enclosures and hydrostatic head tests for textiles. In Finnish usage, vedenpitävä is often contrasted with vedenkestävä (water-resistant), which implies a lower level of protection and potential leakage under certain conditions.

Common applications span several sectors. In construction, vedenpitäviä components include waterproof membranes, sealants, damp-proof courses, and coatings intended to keep groundwater and moisture away from structures. In textiles, waterproof membranes and laminates enable rainwear and outdoor gear. In packaging and electronics, water-tight housings and seals protect contents from moisture and ingress.

Etymology and usage notes: the term derives from vesɪ (water) and pitäävä (holding), literally meaning “water-holding.” In Finnish technical language, vedenpitävyys (waterproofness) is the measurable property, with testing and ratings that specify performance under different conditions.