Main Entry: pen·e·trate

Pronunciation: \ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): pen·e·trat·ed; pen·e·trat·ing

transitive verb

1 : to pass into or through <enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the zona pellucida—Anna Maria Gillis>
2 : to insert the penis into the vagina of in copulation

intransitive verb

: to pass, extend, pierce, or diffuse into or through something <penetrating percutaneous nephroscopy or ureteroscopy—R. A. Riehle et al>