1. the process of a liquid slowly passing through a porous material or filter
2. the gradual spread or filtering of ideas, information, or influence through a group or system
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The percolation of water through the soil helps filter out impurities.
• Coffee makers work by the percolation of hot water through ground beans.
• The percolation of rainwater into underground aquifers takes many years.
• The percolation of new ideas through the organization was slow but steady.
• Scientists studied the percolation of chemicals through different rock layers.
• The percolation of cultural influences can be seen throughout the region.