infiltration
nounUK /ɪnfɪlˈtɹeɪʃən/ · CA, US /ˌɪnfəlˈtɹeɪʃən/
Etymology From Middle English infiltracioun, from Medieval Latin infiltrātiōnem, infiltrātiō. By surface analysis, infiltrat(e) + -ion.
1
The act or process of infiltrating, as of water into a porous substance, or of a fluid into the cells of an organ or part of the body.
3
The substance which has entered the pores or cavities of a body.
- calcareous infiltrations filling the cavities1784, Richard Kirwan, Elements of Mineralogy:
4
The act of secretly entering a physical location and/or organization.
- No one should be under any illusions about the objective of the Communist Party leadership: it’s long-term, systematic infiltration of social organisations, media and government. By the time China’s infiltration of Australia is readily apparent, it will be too late.2019, Peter Hartcher, “Power and Paranoia: Why the Chinese government aggressively pushes beyond its borders”, in The Sydney Morning Herald: