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PENETRATING
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
Example:
a penetrating odor
Synonyms:
penetrating; penetrative
Classified under:
Similar:
sharp (having or made by a thin edge or sharp point; suitable for cutting or piercing)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Example:
frequent penetrative observations
Synonyms:
acute; discriminating; incisive; keen; knifelike; penetrating; penetrative; piercing; sharp
Classified under:
Similar:
perceptive (having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
-ing form of the verb penetrate
Context examples:
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are cationic and/or amphipathic peptides, typically less than 30 amino acids in length, that can penetrate cell membranes easily and may transport molecular cargo.
(Azurin:50-77 Cell Penetrating Peptide p28, NCI Thesaurus)
Buried under the Greenland Ice Sheet, the subcontinent's bedrock topography has been estimated using soundings from ice-penetrating radar.
(Hidden Greenland canyons mean more sea level rise, NASA)
Gamma rays are very penetrating and are best stopped or shielded by dense materials, such as lead or depleted uranium.
(Gamma Radiation, NCI Thesaurus)
Through the half-open door I heard a high, petulant, penetrating voice.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
A penetrating stab wound from a needle (or other sharp object) that may result in exposure to blood or other body fluids.
(Needlestick Puncture, NCI Thesaurus)
Acute compression of the heart caused by increased intrapericardial pressure due to the collection of blood or fluid in the pericardium from rupture of the heart, penetrating trauma, or progressive effusion.
(Cardiac Tamponade, NCI Thesaurus)
An oily, unstable, colorless, chlorinated hydrocarbon with a penetrating odor.
(Benzotrichloride, NCI Thesaurus)
There were a number of letters, bills, and notebooks, which Holmes turned over and examined with quick, nervous fingers and darting, penetrating eyes.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
It was more a feeling of duty—a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this place.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
As I emerged from my unconsciousness—which could not, I think, have lasted more than a few minutes—I was aware of a most dreadful and penetrating smell.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
