| source : web1913 |
Permeate \Per"me*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Permeated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Permeating}.] [L. permeatus, p. p. of permeare to
permeate; per + meare to go, pass.]
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; as, water permeates sand.
--Woodward.
2. To enter and spread through; to pervade.
God was conceived to be diffused throughout the
whole world, to permeate and pervade all things.
--Cudworth.
| source : wn |
permeate
v 1: spread or diffuse through; "An atmosphere of distrust has
permeated this administration" [syn: {pervade}, {diffuse},
{imbue}]
2: pass through; "Water permeated sand easily" [syn: {percolate},
{sink in}, {filter}]
3: penetrate mutually or be interlocked; "The territories of
two married people interpenetrate a lot" [syn: {interpenetrate}]