Percolate: meaning, definitions and examples

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percolate

 

[ ˈpɜːrkəleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

coffee brewing process

To percolate means to filter through or penetrate gradually. In the context of coffee brewing, percolate refers to the process of boiling water through coffee grounds to extract flavor.

Synonyms

filter, penetrate, seep

Examples of usage

  • The coffee machine percolates the water through the coffee grounds to make a strong brew.
  • After percolating for several minutes, the coffee is ready to be served.
  • Percolating coffee results in a rich and aromatic beverage.
  • The percolation process is essential for extracting the full flavor of the coffee beans.
  • Many coffee enthusiasts prefer the percolation method for brewing their morning cup.
Context #2 | Verb

information spreading

To percolate can also mean to spread gradually through an area or group of people. It is often used in the context of information or ideas spreading slowly but steadily.

Synonyms

circulate, disseminate, spread

Examples of usage

  • The news of the election results percolated through the crowd, causing mixed reactions.
  • The new trend started to percolate among the youth before becoming mainstream.
  • Rumors began to percolate in the office about upcoming changes.
  • Information tends to percolate faster in the age of social media.
  • Her innovative ideas percolated through the industry, inspiring others to follow suit.

Translations

Translations of the word "percolate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 percolar

🇮🇳 छानना

🇩🇪 durchsickern

🇮🇩 merembes

🇺🇦 просочуватися

🇵🇱 przesączać się

🇯🇵 浸透する (shintō suru)

🇫🇷 s'infiltrer

🇪🇸 percolar

🇹🇷 sızmak

🇰🇷 스며들다 (seumyeodeulda)

🇸🇦 تسرب

🇨🇿 prosakovat

🇸🇰 presakovať

🇨🇳 渗透 (shèntòu)

🇸🇮 prepuščati

🇮🇸 síast inn

🇰🇿 сіңу

🇬🇪 გადაწურვა (gadatsurva)

🇦🇿 sızmaq

🇲🇽 percolar

Word origin

The word 'percolate' originated from the Latin word 'percolatus', which means 'filtered through'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The term was initially used in the context of liquids filtering through porous substances. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the gradual spreading or filtering of various substances or information. Today, 'percolate' is commonly associated with coffee brewing and the slow spread of ideas or information.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,768, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.