infiltration
- 01 C2 Proficiency
the process of a liquid slowly passing into a solid material through small holes.
the process by which a fluid passes into or through a porous substance or the interstices of a structure.
Simple“Heavy rain led to the infiltration of water into the basement through the old walls.”
In context“The study measured the rate of water infiltration in different soil types to predict how quickly the ground would dry after a storm.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of' for the substance and 'into' for the destination.
Synonyms
“Measures have been implemented to try to prevent jellyfish infiltration, including a partnership with fishermen who capture and release them further offshore, according to French outlet Ici.”
“Infiltration often begins with a quiet search for access.”
From Middle English infiltracioun, from Medieval Latin infiltrātiōnem, infiltrātiō. By surface analysis, infiltrat(e) + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.