Definitions for: Penetrative


[adj] tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing; "a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface"; "a cold penetrating wind"; "a penetrating odor"
[adj] having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions; "an acute observer of politics and politicians"; "incisive comments"; "icy knifelike reasoning"; "as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang"; "penetrating insight"; "frequent penetrative observations"



Webster (1913) Definition: Pen"e*tra*tive, a. [Cf. F. p['e]n['e]tratif.]
1. Tending to penetrate; of a penetrating quality; piercing;
as, the penetrative sun.

His look became keen and penetrative. --Hawthorne.

2. Having the power to affect or impress the mind or heart;
impressive; as, penetrative shame. --Shak.

3. Acute; discerning; sagacious; as, penetrative wisdom.
``The penetrative eye.'' --Wordsworth.

Led on by skill of penetrative soul. --Grainger.

Synonyms: acute, discriminating, incisive, keen, knifelike, penetrating, perceptive, piercing, sharp

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