Percolation: meaning, definitions and examples

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percolation

 

[ ˌpɜːrkəˈleɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

liquid filtration

Percolation is the process of a liquid slowly passing through a porous substance or filter.

Synonyms

filtrate, filtration, seepage.

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Word Description / Examples
percolation

This word is often used in scientific or ecological contexts to describe the movement of liquids through porous materials, such as soil. It implies a gradual process.

  • The percolation of rainwater through the soil helps to replenish groundwater reserves
  • Engineers studied the percolation rate of the soil before building the foundation
filtration

Used to describe the process of removing particles from a liquid or gas by passing it through a filter. It's common in both scientific and everyday contexts, such as water purification.

  • Filtration is an essential step in ensuring the water we drink is clean
  • The filtration system in the lab removes impurities from the solutions
seepage

This word is often used in environmental or construction contexts to refer to the slow, gradual flow of a liquid (usually water) through small openings or pores, often unnoticed.

  • Seepage from the underground tank was contaminating the soil
  • Engineers monitored the site to check for any signs of seepage
filtrate

This term is typically used in laboratory settings or chemical processes to refer to the liquid that has passed through a filter, leaving solids behind.

  • The clear liquid in the container is the filtrate obtained after filtering the mixture
  • They analyzed the filtrate to determine its chemical composition

Examples of usage

  • The percolation of water through the coffee grounds creates the delicious beverage we enjoy.
  • Proper drainage is essential to prevent water percolation into the building foundation.
Context #2 | Noun

statistical physics

In statistical physics, percolation refers to the phenomenon of connectivity in random networks.

Synonyms

connectivity, linkage, networking.

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Word Description / Examples
percolation

Primarily used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the process of a liquid slowly passing through a filter or porous substance. It can also relate metaphorically to the slow spread of information or ideas.

  • The percolation of rainwater through the soil nourishes the plants.
  • The percolation of new policies through the organization took several months.
connectivity

Refers to the state of being connected or interlinked, often used in technology, telecommunications, and social contexts to describe networks or relationships.

  • The new software aims to improve connectivity between devices.
  • Rural areas often struggle with poor internet connectivity.
networking

Predominantly used in a professional or social context to describe the act of building and maintaining relationships for mutual benefit, often within business or career development.

  • Networking at conferences can open up new career opportunities.
  • Effective networking is crucial for entrepreneurs.
linkage

Often used to describe the physical or metaphorical connection between two or more entities. Common in technical, biological, and organizational discussions.

  • The linkage between the two engines ensures they operate in unison.
  • There is a strong linkage between diet and health.

Examples of usage

  • The study of percolation theory helps us understand the behavior of complex systems.
  • Percolation models are used to analyze the spread of diseases in populations.

Translations

Translations of the word "percolation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 percolação

🇮🇳 प्रस्रवण

🇩🇪 Perkolation

🇮🇩 perkolasi

🇺🇦 перколяція

🇵🇱 perkolacja

🇯🇵 ろ過 (ろか)

🇫🇷 percolation

🇪🇸 percolación

🇹🇷 süzülme

🇰🇷 여과

🇸🇦 ترشيح

🇨🇿 perkolace

🇸🇰 perkolácia

🇨🇳 渗透 (shèntòu)

🇸🇮 perkolacija

🇮🇸 síun

🇰🇿 сүзілу

🇬🇪 გატეხვა

🇦🇿 süzülmə

🇲🇽 percolación

Etymology

The term 'percolation' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'percolare', meaning 'to filter through'. It has since evolved to encompass various fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering, reflecting its significance in understanding fluid flow and connectivity in diverse systems.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,145, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.