Definition of: penetrate

(pen′ə·trāt) v. ·trat·ed, ·trat·ing v.t.
1. To force a way into or through; pierce; enter.
2. To spread or diffuse itself throughout; permeate.
3. To perceive the meaning of; understand.
4. To affect or move profoundly.
—v.i.
5. To enter or pass through something.
6. To have effect on the mind or emotions. See synonyms under PIERCE. [<L penetratus <penetrare put within <penitus inside]
—pen′e·tra·ble (-trə·bəl) adjective
—pen′e·tra·bil′i·ty noun
—pen′e·trant adjective & noun