transitive verb percolated -·lat′ed, percolating -·lat′·ing

1. to pass (a liquid) gradually through small spaces or a porous substance; filter
2. to drain or ooze through (a porous substance); permeate
3. to brew (coffee) in a percolator

Etymology: < L percolatus, pp. of percolare, to strain < per, through + colare, to strain: see colander

intransitive verb

1. 1. to pass or ooze through a porous substance
   2. to spread throughout; permeate
2. to become active or start bubbling up, as coffee in a percolator

noun