Percolation Meaning and Definition
Percolation
Pronunciation
/ˌpərkəlˈeɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A process or action of permeating or filtering through a medium, often used to describe the flow of fluids, gases, or heat through a substance.
Examples
- The coffee maker used percolation to brew the perfect cup.
- The ground water underwent percolation, filtering out impurities.
Synonyms
- Penetration
- Diffusion
Antonyms
- Impenetrability
- Barrier
Etymology
The word “percolation” comes from the Latin “percolare,” meaning “to filter through.” It was first used in the 17th century to describe the process of filtering liquids.
Usage Notes
Percolation is often used in scientific and technical contexts to describe the flow of materials through a medium. It can also be used in everyday language to describe the process of filtering or purifying a substance.
Cultural References
Percolation has been referenced in popular culture, including in songs, books, and films. It is often used as a metaphor for the flow of information or ideas.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Percolation of ideas” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the spread of new ideas or concepts.
Related Words or Phrases
- Penetration
- Diffusion
- Permeation
Collocations
- Percolation of water
- Percolation of coffee
Frequency of Use
Percolation is a relatively rare word in everyday language, but it is commonly used in technical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
Percolaition