permeate

[ pur-mee-eyt ]
/ ˈpɜr miˌeɪt /

verb (used with object), per·me·at·ed, per·me·at·ing.

to pass into or through every part of: Bright sunshine permeated the room.
to penetrate through the pores, interstices, etc., of.
to be diffused through; pervade; saturate: Cynicism permeated his report.

verb (used without object), per·me·at·ed, per·me·at·ing.

to become diffused; penetrate.

Origin of permeate

1650–60; < Latin permeātus past participle of permeāre to pass through. See per-, meatus

OTHER WORDS FROM permeate

Example sentences from the Web for permeation

British Dictionary definitions for permeation

permeate
/ (ˈpɜːmɪˌeɪt) /

verb

to penetrate or pervade (a substance, area, etc) a lovely smell permeated the room
to pass through or cause to pass through by osmosis or diffusion to permeate a membrane

Derived forms of permeate

permeation, noun permeative, adjective

Word Origin for permeate

C17: from Latin permeāre, from per- through + meāre to pass

Medical definitions for permeation (1 of 2)

permeation
[ pûr′mē-āshən ]

n.

The process of spreading through or penetrating, as in the extension of a malignant neoplasm by continuous proliferation of the cells along the blood or lymph vessels.

Medical definitions for permeation (2 of 2)

permeate
[ pûrmē-āt′ ]

v.

To spread or flow throughout; pervade.
To pass through the openings or interstices of, as a liquid through a membrane.

n.

One that can permeate.

Other words from permeate

perme•ant (-ənt) null adj.