permeate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   spread or diffuse through

   An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration

2. 2
   verb

   pass through

   Water permeates sand easily

3. 3
   verb

   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

   water permeates sand

4. 4
   verb

   To enter and spread through; to pervade.

   Bright sunshine permeates the room on a sunny day.

5. 5
   verb

   penetrate mutually or be interlocked

6. 6
   noun

   A watery by-product of milk production.

7. 7
   noun

   Liquid that has passed through a filtration system.

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).