penetrative

The story

1. Latin · derived frompenetrāre“to penetrate”
2. Medieval Latin · derived frompenetrativus
3. Middle English · inherited frompenetratyve
4. English todaypenetrative

From Middle English penetratyve, penetratif, from Medieval Latin penetrativus, from (the participle stem of) Latin penetrāre (“to penetrate”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. That can or does physically penetrate something; piercing, penetrating.
• from 17th c. Displaying insight or discrimination; acute; penetrating.
• from 20th c. That can penetrate opposition defences.
• from 20th c. Pertaining to sexual activity involving penetration by the penis (or similar object).