Percolate Meaning and Definition
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Percolate
Percolate
Pronunciation
/ˌpərˈkɒleɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To flow or seep through a porous material, especially a liquid passing through a filter, or to spread gradually through a substance or medium.
Examples
- The coffee percolate flavorfully in the French press.
- Water percolate through the aquifer to reach the underground stream.
Synonyms
- Seep
- Permeate
Antonyms
- Concentrate
- Agglomerate
Etymology
The word percolate comes from the Latin perculare, meaning “to filter through”.
Usage Notes
In formal writing, percolate is often used to describe the flow of a substance through a material.
Cultural References
The word percolate has been featured in various songs, including “Percolate” by Cajun artist Buckwheat Zydeco.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Percolate up” means to rise or spread gradually.
Related Words or Phrases
Diffuse, transpire, permeate
Collocations
- Sound waves percolate through the air.
- Liquid percolate through the soil.
Frequency of Use
Percolate is a relatively uncommon word in everyday conversation, but it appears more frequently in technical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
Percolit, Perkolate, Perculate