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penetration definition

pen·etra·tion (pen′i trā′s̸hən)

noun

    1. the act, power, or an instance of penetrating
    2. the act or an instance of inserting the penis into the vagina or anus
  2. the depth to which something penetrates, as a military force into enemy territory
  3. the extension of the influence of a country over a weaker one by means of commercial investments, loans, diplomatic maneuvers, etc.
  4. keenness of mind; discernment; insight

Etymology: LL penetratio

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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