/ ˈpɜːmieɪt; NAmE ˈpɜːrm-/ verb ( formal )
1.
( of a liquid, gas, etc. ) to spread to every part of an object or a place :
[ vn ]
The smell of leather permeated the room.
[ v + adv. / prep. ]
rainwater permeating through the ground
2.
( of an idea, an influence, a feeling, etc. ) to affect every part of sth :
[ vn ]
a belief that permeates all levels of society
[ v + adv. / prep. ]
Dissatisfaction among the managers soon permeated down to members of the workforce.
► per·me·ation / ˌpɜːmiˈeɪʃn; NAmE ˌpɜːrm-/ noun [ U ] ( formal )
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from Latin permeat- passed through, from the verb permeare , from per- through + meare pass, go.