penetrating

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pen|etrat|ing /p'enɪtreɪtɪŋ/
1 [ADJ]
A penetrating sound is loud and usually high-pitched.
Mary heard the penetrating bell of an ambulance...
= piercing
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If someone gives you a penetrating look, it makes you think that they know what you are thinking.
He gazed at me with a sharp, penetrating look that made my heart pound.
= piercing
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Someone who has a penetrating mind understands and recognizes things quickly and thoroughly.
...a thoughtful, penetrating mind...

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