penetrative

See also: pénétrative

English

Etymology

From Middle English penetratyve, penetratif, from Medieval Latin penetrātīvus.

Adjective

penetrative (comparative more penetrative, superlative most penetrative)

1. Of, pertaining to, or involving penetration.
   • c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene xiv], page 362, column 2:

     Would'ſt thou be window'd in great Rome, and ſee / Thy Maſter thus with pleacht Armes, bending downe / His corrigible necke, his face ſubdu'de / To penetratiue ſhame; [...]

     Would you be looking through a window in great Rome, and see / Your Master thus, with entwined arms [tied together], bending down / His docile neck, his face subdued / with shame penetrating through [i.e. blushing]; [...]

2. Having the ability to penetrate.
3. (figurative) Displaying insight or discrimination; acute.

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Italian

Adjective

penetrative

1. feminine plural of penetrativo