Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Permeate \Per"me*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Permeated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Permeating}.] [L. permeatus, p. p. of permeare to
   permeate; per + meare to go, pass.]
   1. To pass through the pores or interstices of; to penetrate
      and pass through without causing rupture or displacement;
      -- applied especially to fluids which pass through
      substances of loose texture; as, water permeates sand.
      --Woodward.

   2. To enter and spread through; to pervade.

            God was conceived to be diffused throughout the
            whole world, to permeate and pervade all things.
                                                  --Cudworth.

Source : WordNet®

permeate
     v 1: spread or diffuse through; "An atmosphere of distrust has
          permeated this administration"; "music penetrated the
          entire building" [syn: {pervade}, {penetrate}, {interpenetrate},
           {diffuse}, {imbue}]
     2: pass through; "Water permeates sand easily" [syn: {percolate},
         {sink in}, {filter}]
     3: penetrate mutually or be interlocked; "The territories of
        two married people interpenetrate a lot" [syn: {interpenetrate}]