Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of a liquid or gas gradually passing into or through something: This refers to the movement of a substance into a material, often by seeping or filtering.
   • The process of secretly entering or joining an organization or place to gain information or influence: This refers to the act of entering a group, area, or system in a covert manner, typically for strategic purposes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Liquid/Gas):
  • The basement was damaged by water infiltration.
  • Preventing the infiltration of cold air is key to good insulation.
• Noun (Covert Entry):
  • The spy's infiltration of the enemy headquarters was successful.
  • Security measures were increased to prevent infiltration by extremist groups.

Advanced Usage

• "Infiltration capacity": (Hydrology) The maximum rate at which soil can absorb water.
  • After the fire, the soil's infiltration capacity was greatly reduced.
• "Infiltrative" (adj): Characterized by or relating to infiltration.
  • The patient showed infiltrative changes in the lung tissue on the X-ray.

Variants and Related Words

• Infiltrate (verb): To cause a substance to pass into something; or to enter an organization or area secretly.
  • The dye will infiltrate the fabric.
  • The agent managed to infiltrate the criminal network.
• Infiltrator (noun): A person who infiltrates.
  • The guards captured the infiltrator at the border.

Synonyms

• Percolation: The process of a liquid moving gradually through a porous substance.
• Penetration: The act of entering or making a way into something.
• Incursion: A sudden invasion or entry, especially into a place or sphere of activity.

Related Phrases

• "Rate of infiltration": The speed at which a substance infiltrates.
  • The rate of rainwater infiltration depends on soil type.
• "Counter-infiltration": Actions taken to prevent enemy infiltration.
  • The unit specialized in counter-infiltration tactics.

Noun

1. the slow passage of a liquid through a filtering medium
   • the percolation of rainwater through the soil
   • the infiltration of seawater through the lava
2. a process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection)