obsolete a small pore that holds water in soils against a tension usually greater than 60 cm (23.6 in) of water —note 1. the pores are commonly filled with water when the soil is at field capacity —note 2. the term capillary pore (based on ability to hold water) has no replacement; pore size is now used as a classification criterion —see macropore, micropore This definition last updated 07/18/2008