Penetrant

A penetrant is a substance or property that is capable of entering, permeating, or diffusing through something. It describes the ability to pass through or into an object or material, often implying a thorough or pervasive presence. This term can apply to physical substances like liquids or gases, or abstract concepts such as ideas or emotions. It emphasizes the act or quality of entering and affecting a subject, whether it be physical or metaphorical. The degree of penetrance varies, ranging from superficial to deeply ingrained.

Penetrant meaning with examples

• The special dye acted as a penetrant, seeping into the cracks of the metal and highlighting any imperfections that would have been invisible to the naked eye. This made it a vital tool for quality control in the manufacturing of the engine parts, revealing even the smallest flaws and weaknesses in the structure of each part.
• Her melancholic thoughts became a penetrant fog in the room, which slowly enveloped her, making her unable to enjoy the laughter and the music, as she struggled to break free from her oppressive inner world. The feeling crept into every corner of her life and coloured her perception of reality and her memories.
• The new business strategy, while initially viewed with skepticism, proved to be a penetrant approach. Slowly it found its way into all levels of management, changing not only procedures but also the attitudes of employees. This transformation led to unprecedented growth and profitability for the company.
• The strong odor from the leaking gas was penetrant, filling the entire building despite efforts to ventilate it. It caused nausea and discomfort among those present and created an immediate need to deal with the hazard and identify the source of the leak to protect the people in the building.