penetration
UK: ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃn | US: ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃn
n. the act or process of penetrating something
n. the depth to which something penetrates
n. (military) the ability to move through enemy defenses
The word "penetration" derives from the Latin penetrare (to enter, pierce), combining penes (within) and the verb-forming suffix -trare. The root penetr- retains its core meaning of "piercing through," while -ation nominalizes the action. Historically, it described physical piercing (e.g., weapons) before expanding to abstract contexts (e.g., market penetration).
The bullet's penetration depth was measured at 10 inches.
The company aims to increase its market penetration in Asia.
Military tactics focus on rapid penetration of enemy lines.
The oil shows poor penetration into the fabric.
Ultrasound measures the penetration of sound waves through tissue.