penetration

The story

1. Latin · derived frompenetrātiō
2. Old French · derived frompenetracïon
3. Middle English · inherited frompenetracioun
4. English todaypenetration

From Middle English penetracioun, from Old French penetracïon, and its source, Latin penetrātiō, from the participle stem of penetrō (“pierce”, verb). Morphologically penetrate + -ion.

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. The act of penetrating something.
• from 17th c. The insertion of the penis (or similar object) during sexual intercourse.
• from 17th c. The act of penetrating a given situation with the mind or faculties; perception, discernment.