penetration

Definition

The act of penetrating something.

Etymology

From Middle English penetracioun, from Old French penetracïon, and its source, Latin penetrātiō, from the participle stem of penetrō (“pierce”, verb). Morphologically penetrate + -ion.

Example Sentences

• "Any penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the offense."
• "[…] my observations of her looks and actions became acutely sharpened, and that to a degree, which, notwithstanding my efforts to conceal it, could not escape her penetration."
• "I have no respect for the penetration of any man who can read the report of that conversation, and still call the principal in it insane."