Pen"e*tra`tion (?), n. [L.
penetratio: cf. F. pénétration.]
1. The act or process of penetrating, piercing,
or entering; also, the act of mentally penetrating into, or
comprehending, anything difficult.
And to each in ward part,
With gentle penetration, though unseen,
Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep.
Milton.
A penetration into the difficulties of
algebra.
Watts.
2. Acuteness; insight; sharp discoverment;
sagacity; as, a person of singular penetration.
Walpole.
Syn. -- Discernment; sagacity; acuteness; sharpness;
discrimination. See Discernment, and Sagacity.