penetration

 
Pronunciation: /pɛnɪˈtreɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action or process of penetrating something: the zip has a Velcro-secured flap to minimize rain penetration
  • the insertion by a man of his penis into the vagina or anus of a sexual partner.
  • 2the selling of a company’s products in a particular market or area: they had failed to make any penetration into new energy markets
  • the extent to which a product is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market: the software has attained a high degree of market penetration
  • 3the perceptive understanding of complex matters: the survey shows subtlety and penetration

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin penetratio(n-), from the verb penetrare 'place within or enter'