percolate
UK: /ˈpɜː.kə.leɪt/ | US: /ˈpɝː.kə.leɪt/
vi. (of a liquid) to pass gradually through small holes or spaces
vt. to filter or permeate through a porous substance
fig. (of ideas, information) to spread gradually through a group
percolate = per<through> + col<strain> + ate<verb suffix>
- per (Latin: "through") → Indicates penetration or thoroughness.
- col (Latin: "colare," to strain/filter) → Relates to sieving or passing through a medium.
- ate (verb-forming suffix) → Converts the root into an action.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin percolare ("to strain through"), combining per- (through) and colare (to filter). Originally described liquids filtering through porous materials (e.g., coffee brewing). Figurative use (ideas "percolating") emerged in the 19th century, likening mental absorption to liquid seepage.
Water percolates through the soil to reach underground aquifers.
The coffee maker allows hot water to percolate through the grounds.
News of the policy change slowly percolated through the organization.
It took weeks for the idea to percolate in his mind before he acted.
Rainwater percolated into the cracks, eroding the rock over time.