penetrant

[ pen-i-truhnt ]

noun

1. a person or thing that penetrates.
2. a compound that penetrates the skin, as a lotion or cream.
3. a substance that lowers the surface tension of water; wetting agent.
4. Zoology. a large nematocyst discharging a barbed thread that penetrates the body of the prey and injects a toxic fluid.

adjective

1. penetrating.

penetrant

/ ˈpɛnɪtrənt /

adjective

1. sharp; penetrating

noun

1. chem a substance that lowers the surface tension of a liquid and thus causes it to penetrate or be absorbed more easily
2. a person or thing that penetrates

Other Words From

• un·pene·trant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrant¹

1535–45; < Latin penetrant- (stem of penetrāns ), present participle of penetrāre to penetrate; -ant

Example Sentences

Together, these difficult to treat types of cancer affect tens of thousands of patients every year who could benefit from brain-penetrant therapies, Saccomano adds.

From Ozy

His team is currently working to develop several potentially brain-penetrant molecules that target different gene mutations.

From Ozy

The dew lay heavy on the laurel leaves of the thickets, and the breeze was perfumed with the penetrant fragrance of many blossoms.

From Project Gutenberg

Sharp shoe-calks afford a means of infliction of penetrant wounds which may occasion open joint and infectious arthritis.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he raised his eyes from the water and swept the sky in a penetrant gaze.

From Project Gutenberg

Simplices clos penetrant, et literati disputant utrum sit Deus!

From Project Gutenberg

With Mr. Tassers penetrant and suspicious gaze on him, he decided that it would be wise to avoid all seeming interest in Myron.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• biting
• piercing
• trenchant