Meaning of permeate in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpərmiˌeɪt/

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  1. Verb

    permeate

    Etymology

    mid 17th century: from Latin permeat-‘passed through’, from the verb permeare, from per-‘through’ + meare‘pass, go’

    Definitions

    1. spread or diffuse through

    Examples

    • « An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration »
    • « music penetrated the entire building »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. pass through

    Examples

    • « Water permeates sand easily »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. penetrate mutually or be interlocked

    Examples

    • « The territories of two married people interpenetrate a lot »

    Derived terms

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