Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
permeate [pur-mee-eyt] Word Origin 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 Related formsper·me·a·tion, nounper·me·a·tive, adjectiveper·me·a·tor, nounin·ter·per·me·ate, verb (used with object), in·ter·per·me·at·ed, in·ter·per·me·at·ing.non·per·me·a·tion, nounnon·per·me·a·tive, adjectiveun·per·me·at·ed, adjectiveun·per·me·at·ing, adjectiveun·per·me·a·tive, adjective British Dictionary definitions for permeative permeate 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 diffusionto permeate a membrane
Derived Formspermeation, nounpermeative, adjectiveWord Origin for permeate C17: from Latin permeāre, from per- through + meāre to pass Word Origin and History for permeative permeate v.
1650s, from Latin permeatus, past participle of permeare “to pass through” (see permeable). Related: Permeated; permeating.
permeative in Medicine permeate [pûr′mē-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.
Related formsper′me•ant (-ənt) null adj.