Pen"e*tra`tion (?), n. [L. penetratio: cf. F. p'en'etration.]

1.

The act or process of penetrating, piercing, or entering; also, the act of mentally penetrating into, or comprehending, anything difficult.

And to each in ward part, With gentle penetration, though unseen, Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep. Milton.

A penetration into the difficulties of algebra. Watts.

2.

Acuteness; insight; sharp discoverment; sagacity; as, a person of singular penetration.

Walpole.

Syn. -- Discernment; sagacity; acuteness; sharpness; discrimination. See Discernment, and Sagacity.

 

© Webster 1913.

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