noun
impregnation
The process of filling a material with a substance.
Impregnation with resin makes the wooden handle stronger and more durable.
Etymology
The Latin verb originally concerns pregnancy. The technical extension treats a material as filled or charged with another substance, which enters and spreads through its structure.
More examples
- Oil impregnation helps keep these metal bearings lubricated.
- The fabric undergoes wax impregnation to improve its water resistance.
- A vacuum helps achieve even impregnation throughout the porous material.
Forms
impregnation · impregnations
impregnate verb — To fill a material with another substance.
Similar words
- saturation
- Emphasizes filling a material to its maximum capacity.
- infiltration
- Emphasizes a substance entering pores rather than thoroughly filling material.