penetrative

comparative more penetrative · superlative most penetrative

1. That can or does physically penetrate something; piercing, penetrating.First known use 15th c.

   [T]he penetrative Sun, / His Force deep-darting to the dark Retreat / Of Vegetation, sets the steaming Power / At large […].

   a. 1749 (date written), James Thomson, “Spring”, in The Seasons, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, and sold by Thomas Cadell, […], published 1768, →OCLC

   1 more example

   Would'ſt thou be window'd in great Rome, and ſee / Thy Maſter thus with pleacht Armes, bending downe / His corrigible necke, his face ſubdu'de / To penetratiue ſhame […]

   c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene xiv], page 362, column 2

2. Displaying insight or discrimination; acute; penetrating.First known use 17th c.
3. hobbiesThat can penetrate opposition defences.First known use 20th c.
4. Pertaining to sexual activity involving penetration by the penis (or similar object).First known use 20th c.

   I've been in a relationship for nearly a year and we have an amazing sex life as is, but we've never managed penetrative sex.

   2013 August 12, Sexual Healing, The Guardian