penetration

[pen-i-trey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or power of penetrating. penetrating.

2. mental acuteness, discernment, or insight.

   a scholar of rare penetration.

   Synonyms: profundity, depth, discrimination, perception, understanding

3. the obtaining of a share of a market for some commodity or service.

4. the extension, usually peaceful, of the influence of one nation or culture into the affairs of another.

5. a military attack that penetrates into enemy territory.

6. Gunnery.,  the depth to which a projectile goes into the target.

7. the measure of relative depth of field of a telescope or microscope, especially a binocular microscope.

penetration

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of penetrating

2. the ability or power to penetrate

3. keen insight or perception

4. military an offensive manoeuvre that breaks through an enemy's defensive position

5. Also called: market penetration. the proportion of the total number of potential purchasers of a product or service who either are aware of its existence or actually buy it

6. another name for depth of field

Other Word Forms

• nonpenetration noun
• prepenetration noun
• self-penetration noun
• transpenetration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetration¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, penetration is from the Late Latin word penetrātiōn- (stem of penetrātiō ). See penetrate, -ion

Example Sentences

A "pentest" - or penetration test - is the term for when ethical hackers are hired to assess the security of an organisation in a controlled and professional way.

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The consequences go beyond how so many business leaders and ordinary Americans have been led to expect, even fear, the penetration of AI into our lives.

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"The penetration Antman has brought to this side has been absolutely brilliant. What an impact. They just look so much more dangerous."

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Without the energy of talismanic all-rounder Stokes, England were bereft of penetration when the ball lost its hardness and pitch went to sleep.

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England's lack of penetration with the ball coupled with fitness concerns are an "ominous" sign, says former captain Michael Vaughan.

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Related Words

• infiltration 
• seepage