permeate; infiltrate; penetrate
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to permeate; to mix through a membrane
technicalA scientific or technical term for the physical diffusion of one substance through another via a semi-permeable membrane.
During osmosis, the solvent passes through the semipermeable membrane into the solution.
Reverse osmosis technology is often used for seawater desalination.
verb
to seep through; to soak into
Describes the physical process of a liquid gradually passing into or through a porous material.
Rainwater seeped into the dry soil.
The grease has soaked deep into the fabric, making it hard to clean.
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Groundwater seepage caused the walls to mold.
verb
to infiltrate; to pervade; to gradually influence
A metaphorical extension used for abstract concepts like ideas, influence, culture, or effort spreading and having an effect.
Western culture has deeply infiltrated our daily lives.
Every construction project is infused with the painstaking effort of the designers and workers.
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His management philosophy is gradually pervading every department of the company.
Economic infiltration is one of the important manifestations of globalization.