v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Permeated p. pr. & vb. n. Permeating. ] [ L. permeatus, p. p. of permeare to permeate; per + meare to go, pass. ] 1. To pass through the pores or interstices of; to penetrate and pass through without causing rupture or displacement; -- applied especially to fluids which pass through substances of loose texture; as, water permeates sand. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To enter and spread through; to pervade; as, after the first setback, the team became permeated with pessimism. [ 1913 Webster ] God was conceived to be diffused throughout the whole world, to permeate and pervade all things. Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ] |