Allowing air to pass through so that air can move freely; permitting breathing or ventilation.
From 'breathe' (Old English 'braeth,' breath) plus the suffix '-able' (capable of). This modern construction became common in the 20th century describing fabrics and materials.
The invention of breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex revolutionized sports and outdoor gear—they let moisture vapor escape while blocking water. It's science solving the old problem of 'stay dry inside and outside,' which seems impossible but isn't!
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