infiltrate

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To surreptitiously penetrate, enter or gain access to.

   • The spy infiltrated the high-tech company and stole many secrets.
   • Caithness was infiltrated with a palpable sense of being underimagined.
2. 2

   To cause to penetrate in this way.

   • The agency infiltrated several spies into the company.
3. 3

   To pass through something by filtration.

4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To cause (a liquid) to pass through something by filtration.

   2. 5

      To invade or penetrate a tissue or organ.

      • High-grade tumors often infiltrate surrounding structures.
      • In certain conditions, immune cells may infiltrate into the cerebrospinal fluid.
      • Plesner et al. reported the nonbeta islet endocrine cell remodeling in diabetic NOD mice: that study suggested that infiltrating immune cells may restrict alpha-cell expansion in NOD mouse islet in the diabetic state [ 36 ].
   3. 6

      To send (soldiers, spies, etc.) through gaps in the enemy line.

   4. 7

      To move from a vein, remaining in the body.

   5. 8

      Any undesirable substance or group of cells that has made its way into part of the body.

      • One critical distinction to make is whether a focal corneal infiltrate is infected with bacteria or is a sterile immunologic response.
      • Extensive lumpy infiltrates with a tendency to caseate and to form fistulas with purulent secretions appear, mainly in the anogenital region.

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