(~s, penetrating, ~d)
1.
If something or someone ~s a physical object or an area, they succeed in getting into it or passing through it.
X-rays can ~ many objects...
VERB: V n
penetration (penetrations)
The exterior walls are three to three and a half feet thick to prevent penetration by bombs.
N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl
2.
If someone ~s an organization, a group, or a profession, they succeed in entering it although it is difficult to do so.
...the continuing failure of women to ~ the higher levels of engineering...
VERB: V n
3.
If someone ~s an enemy group or a rival organization, they succeed in joining it in order to get information or cause trouble.
The CIA had requested our help to ~ a drugs ring operating out of Munich...
= infiltrate
VERB: V n
penetration
...the successful penetration by the KGB of the French intelligence service.
= infiltration
N-UNCOUNT: with supp
4.
If a company or country ~s a market or area, they succeed in selling their products there. (BUSINESS)
There have been around 15 attempts from outside France to ~ the market.
VERB: V n
penetration
...import penetration across a broad range of heavy industries.
N-UNCOUNT: with supp