1 intr. (often foll. by through) a (of liquid etc.) filter or ooze gradually (esp. through a porous surface). b (of an idea etc.) permeate gradually.
2 tr. prepare (coffee) by repeatedly passing boiling water through ground beans.
3 tr. ooze through; permeate.
4 tr. strain (a liquid, powder, etc.) through a fine mesh etc.
Derivatives:
percolation n.
Etymology: L percolare (as PER-, colare strain f. colum strainer)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.