■ verb
1》 go into or through, especially with force.
↘(of a man) insert the penis into the vagina or anus of (a sexual partner).
2》 infiltrate (an organization, competitor's market, etc.).
3》 understand or gain insight into (something complex or mysterious).
4》 [as adjective penetrating ] (of a sound) clearly heard through or above other sounds.
Derivatives
penetrability noun
penetrable adjective
penetratingly adverb
penetrator noun
Origin
C16 (earlier (ME) as penetration ): from L. penetrat- , penetrare 'go into'.