PEN'ETRATE, v.t. [L. penetro, from the root of pen, a point.] 1. To enter or pierce; to make way into another body; as, a sword or dart penetrates the body; oil penetrates wood; marrow, the most penetrating of oil substances.2. To affect the mind; to cause to feel. I am penetrated with a lively sense of your generosity.3. To reach by the intellect; to understand; as, to penetrate the meaning or design of any thing.4. To enter; to pass into the interior; as, to penetrate a country.PEN'ETRATE, v.i. To pass; to make way. Born where heaven's influence scarce can penetrate.1. To make way intellectually. He had not penetrated into the designs of the prince.
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