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penetrative

American  
[pen-i-trey-tiv] / ˈpɛn ɪˌtreɪ tɪv /

adjective

  1. tending to penetrate; piercing.

  2. acute; keen.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of penetrative

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word penetrātīvus. See penetrate, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Penetrative, associative, contemplative.secret principle of this combination has not been shown by the analysts.

From Modern Painters Volume II (of V) by Ruskin, John

Penetrative as she is, seeming to read the heart through the countenance, she can read nought in thee save qualities to love.

From The Vale of Cedars by Aguilar, Grace

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.