English Explanatory Dictionary

permeate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To pass through the pores or interstices of; to penetrate and pass through without causing rupture or displacement; applied especially to fluids which pass through substances of loose texture
  2. To enter and spread through; to pervade.
noun
  1. A watery by-product of milk production.
  2. Liquid that has passed through a filtration system.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɜːmiˌeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-permeate.wav /ˈpɝmiˌeɪ̯t/

Word forms

permeate permeates permeating permeated

Etymology

First attested in 1656; borrowed from Latin permeātus, perfect passive participle of permeō (“to pass through”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix).

Synonyms

impregnate

Related words

impermeable permeable permeant permeation permeator

Derived words

interpermeate nonpermeated nonpermeating permease permeative unpermeated
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