penetrative

[ pen-i-trey-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to penetrate; piercing.
2. acute; keen.

Other Words From

• pene·trative·ly adverb
• pene·trative·ness pen·e·tra·tiv·i·ty [pen-i-tr, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• un·pene·trative adjective
• un·pene·trative·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrative¹

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

Example Sentences

But just because they didn’t have penetrative sex until marriage doesn’t mean they didn’t still engage in sexual acts, something noted in the memoir yet the movie glosses over.

From Salon

Ghani was jailed for 14 years and six months after being found guilty of five counts of penetrative sex with a child.

From BBC

“I remember walking across in front of the Episcopal Church” and having someone explain penetrative sex, Bates, who is 74, said.

From New York Times

The graphic testimonies include references to penetrative sex and coercion.

From BBC

Mr Mansfield said: "You can see where the penetrative holes are imaged on this particular person's clothing and the trajectory of his arms raised."

From BBC

Related Words

• astute
• discerning
• discreet
• incisive
• insightful
• intuitive
• knowing
• knowledgeable
• observant
• penetrating
• wise