penetrative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
    acute; penetrating; incisive; piercing; discriminating; keen; sharp; knifelike.
    • 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
  2. adjective satellite tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
    penetrating.
    • a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface
    • a cold penetrating wind
    • a penetrating odor

WordNet

Pen"e*tra*tive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. pénétratif.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913