1 [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of a liquid or gas) filter gradually through a porous surface or substance:the water percolating through the soil may leach out minerals
spread gradually through an area or group of people:continental ideas on art, science, and architecture percolated from Venice to London
2 [no object] (of coffee) be prepared in a percolator:he put some coffee on to percolate
[with object] prepare (coffee) in a percolator: (as adjective percolated)freshly percolated coffee
[no object]US be or become full of lively activity or excitement:the night was percolating with an expectant energy
