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Webster 1913 Edition


Penetrating

Pen′e-traˊting

,
Adj.
1.
Having the power of entering, piercing, or pervading; sharp; subtile; penetrative;
as, a
penetrating
odor
.
2.
Acute; discerning; sagacious; quick to discover;
as, a
penetrating
mind
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Penetrating

PEN'ETRATING

,
ppr.
Entering; piercing; understanding.
1.
a. Having the power of entering or piercing another body; sharp; subtil. Oil is a penetrating substance.
2.
Acute; discerning; quick to understand; as a penetrating mind.

Definition 2024


penetrating

penetrating

English

Adjective

penetrating (comparative more penetrating, superlative most penetrating)

  1. able to pierce or penetrate
    The skunk produces a penetrating odor.
  2. demonstrating acute or keen understanding
    His novel shows a penetrating insight into the criminal mind.

Translations

Verb

penetrating

  1. present participle of penetrate