impregnate

Everyday

1. To soak or fill something completely with a substance: wood impregnated with oil. tree →
2. (biology) To make a female animal pregnant, so that a baby starts to grow inside her. tree →

In the lessons

In science and design-technology lessons, materials are impregnated with chemicals to make them waterproof, fireproof or longer-lasting (fence posts soaked in preservative). In biology about animals, it means fertilising so that young will grow. Phrases: impregnated with, impregnate wood.

Examples

• The fence posts were impregnated with a chemical to stop them rotting. tree →
• The cloth was impregnated with wax to make it waterproof. tree →
• The bandage is impregnated with antiseptic. tree →
• The air was impregnated with the smell of smoke. tree →
• Farmers keep the bull separate until they want the cows impregnated. tree →
• The matches are impregnated with a chemical that helps them light. tree →

Note

The «soak/fill» sense is the one met most in school and science. Noun: «impregnation». The adjective «pregnant» is related to the second sense only. Pronounced IM-preg-nate.