Definition of PERMEATE

permeate

Verb

Verb Forms: permeated, permeating, permeates

  • To spread throughout something; to pervade completely.
  • spread or diffuse through
    • "An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration"
  • pass through
    • "Water permeates sand easily"
  • penetrate mutually or be interlocked
  • 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
  • To enter and spread through; to pervade.

Noun

  • A watery by-product of milk production.
  • Liquid that has passed through a filtration system.

Examples

  • Bright sunshine permeates the room on a sunny day.
  • His strategic use of bonus squares began to PERMEATE his opponent’s defenses.
  • water permeates sand

Origin / 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).

Scrabble Score: 12

permeate: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
permeate: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
permeate: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

permeate: valid Words With Friends Word