— penetratingly , adv. — penetratingness , n.
/pen"i tray'ting/ , adj.
1. able or tending to penetrate; piercing; sharp: a penetrating shriek; a penetrating glance.
2. acute; discerning: a penetrating observation.
3. Surg. noting a wound that pierces the skin, esp. a deep wound entering an organ or body cavity.
Also, penetrant .
[ 1590-1600; PENETRATE + -ING 2 ]
Syn. 2. keen, sharp. See acute .
Ant. 1. blunt. 2. obtuse.