Permeate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
permeate
[หpษหr.mi.eษชt ]
Definitions
throughout
To spread or diffuse through something; to penetrate or pervade every part of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| permeate |
Used when describing something spreading throughout a substance or space, often involving liquids or gases.
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| pervade |
Used when describing something, especially a feeling or quality, that is present and noticeable throughout a place or thing.
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| penetrate |
Used when describing something breaking through a barrier or entering something with some difficulty, often involving physical or metaphorical barriers.
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Examples of usage
- The smell of fresh bread permeated the room.
- His influence permeates every aspect of the company.
- The music permeated through the walls.
saturate
To become filled or saturated with something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| permeate |
Used when something spreads or diffuses through every part of a substance or space. Often used in a figurative sense.
|
| saturate |
Used when something is completely soaked or filled with as much of a substance as it can hold, often involving liquids.
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| soak |
Used when something is placed in liquid to become thoroughly wet, often implying immersion for a period of time.
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| absorb |
Used when something takes in or assimilates a substance, typically allowing it to disappear or spread evenly within. Can be used both literally and figuratively.
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Examples of usage
- The sponge quickly permeated with water.
- The fabric permeated with the scent of lavender.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, permeation refers to the process by which a substance moves through a barrier, such as gas passing through a membrane.
- This process can be crucial in fields like materials science, where understanding how liquids or gases pass through substances impacts product design.
- Permeation is also studied in environmental science to assess how pollutants spread through water and soil.
Culture
- In literature, themes of emotional or cultural permeation often illustrate how ideas or feelings can spread through communities.
- Art, particularly in abstract forms, can permeate a viewer's mind, creating a lasting impression that goes beyond the visual experience.
- Music often permeates cultural boundaries, influencing different genres and forms across the globe.
Psychology
- The concept of permeation can describe how thoughts and behaviors can deeply influence oneโs environment or social circle.
- In therapy, the idea that emotions can permeate family dynamics underscores the interconnectedness of individual experiences.
- Social behaviors, such as trends or fads, tend to permeate communities quickly through word of mouth and social media.
Environmental Studies
- Understanding how water permeates different types of soil can inform agriculture and conservation efforts.
- Permeation studies help in designing sustainable drainage systems that manage stormwater effectively by controlling water flow.
- Research shows that urban areas can face issues where pollution permeates through groundwater, affecting drinking water quality.
Origin of 'permeate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'permeare', meaning 'to pass through'. This gives it a sense of thoroughness.
- In the 15th century, the term was adopted into English, expanding its use in various contexts.
- It has roots in other related words that convey notions of passing or moving through spaces.
The word 'permeate' comes from the Latin word 'permeare', which means 'to pass through' or 'to penetrate'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century. The concept of permeation is commonly used in the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology to describe the movement of substances through a barrier or medium.