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Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Having the power of entering, piercing, or pervading; sharp; subtile; penetrative;

as, a

penetrating

odor

Acute; discerning; sagacious; quick to discover;

as, a

penetrating

mind

ppr.

Entering; piercing; understanding.

a. Having the power of entering or piercing another body; sharp; subtil. Oil is a penetrating substance.

Acute; discerning; quick to understand; as a penetrating mind.