penetrating meaning and definition

PENETRATING adjective

Definition of penetrating (adjective)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: acute, discriminating, incisive, keen, knifelike, penetrative, piercing, sharp
2. 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"
   • synonyms: penetrative