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permeate

verb
per·​me·​ate | \ ˈpər-mē-ˌāt How to pronounce permeate (audio) \
permeated; permeating

Definition of permeate

intransitive verb

: to diffuse through or penetrate something

transitive verb

1 : to spread or diffuse through a room permeated with tobacco smoke
2 : to pass through the pores or interstices of
Other Words from permeate Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about permeate

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Other Words from permeate

permeative \ ˈpər-​mē-​ˌā-​tiv How to pronounce permeative (audio) \ adjective

Did You Know?

It's no surprise that permeate means "to pass through something" - it was borrowed into English in the mid-17th century from the Latin permeatus, which comes from the prefix per- ("through") and the verb meare, meaning "to go" or "to pass." "Meare" itself comes from an ancient root that may have also led to Middle Welsh and Czech words meaning "to go" and "to pass," respectively. Other descendants of "meare" in English include "permeative," "permeable," "meatus" ("a natural body passage"), and the relatively rare "irremeable" ("offering no possibility of return").

Examples of permeate in a Sentence

The water permeated the sand. The smell of baking bread permeated the kitchen. A feeling of anxiety permeated the office as we rushed to meet the deadline. The rain permeated through the soil.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 While analytics permeate many football operations — and increasingly so — the NFL is still serving up fully dimensional games. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Despite flaws, NFL game remains more watchable than NBA, MLB," 30 Aug. 2019 An attitude that London is lost permeates the Conservatives. — The Economist, "London’s mayoral race shows Tory disregard for the capital," 22 Aug. 2019 People are doubting us’ The Blazers enter this season with the knowledge, and permeated culture, of having the blueprint for winning a championship. — Evan Dudley, al, "7 things to look for as UAB starts fall camp," 1 Aug. 2019 There is nothing like the first day of training camp as the smell of grass, dirt and sweat permeates the air. — Mike Preston, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens fans optimistic for team’s new era as hope springs eternal on opening day of training camp," 26 July 2019 Peter Anderson, the company's incoming chief ethics and compliance officer, said work on improving Carnival's practices will permeate the entire enterprise. — Curt Anderson, orlandosentinel.com, "Carnival cruise lines pledges to curb its ocean dumping," 19 July 2019 The 2019 World Cup permeated the women’s soccer sphere and broke viewing records, attendance records and scoring records, while also shining a spotlight on and sparking debates about equality and gender discrimination. — Alicia Delgallo, Pro Soccer USA, "2019 World Cup could revolutionize women’s soccer globally," 7 July 2019 The camaraderie felt on set permeated the highest levels of the crew. — Ruth Kinane, EW.com, "Go behind the scenes of EW's Angel reunion shoot," 21 June 2019 Careful attention to detail permeated the entire wedding. — Tara Lamont-djite, Harper's BAZAAR, "When Megan Met Henry: A Very British Wedding in Brooklyn," 11 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'permeate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of permeate

1656, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

History and Etymology for permeate

Latin permeatus, past participle of permeare, from per- through + meare to go, pass; akin to Middle Welsh mynet to go, Czech míjet to pass

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More Definitions for permeate

permeate

verb
How to pronounce permeate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of permeate

formal : to pass or spread through (something)

See the full definition for permeate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

permeate

verb
per·​me·​ate | \ ˈper-mē-ˌāt How to pronounce permeate (audio) \
permeated; permeating

Kids Definition of permeate

1 : to pass through something that has pores or small openings or is in a loose form Water permeates sand.
2 : to spread throughout The smell of smoke permeated the room.

permeate

verb
per·​me·​ate | \ ˈpər-mē-ˌāt How to pronounce permeate (audio) \
permeated; permeating

Medical Definition of permeate

intransitive verb

: to diffuse through or penetrate something

transitive verb

: to pass through the pores or interstices of

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More from Merriam-Webster on permeate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with permeate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for permeate

Spanish Central: Translation of permeate

Nglish: Translation of permeate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of permeate for Arabic Speakers

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