What is the technical word for water soaking in?

There isn't one single technical word that perfectly captures the concept of water soaking in. The most appropriate word depends on the context and the specific process you're describing. Here are some options:

General terms:

* Absorption: This is a broad term referring to the process of one substance taking in another. In this case, the material is absorbing water.

* Permeation: This refers to the movement of a substance through a material, like water moving through a fabric.

* Infiltration: This is used for the movement of water into the ground or another porous material.

More specific terms:

* Imbibition: This describes the absorption of water by a solid material, causing it to swell.

* Capillary action: This refers to the movement of water upward through narrow spaces, like in a plant stem.

* Osmosis: This is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Contextual examples:

* Water soaking into a sponge: Absorption or imbibition

* Water soaking through a raincoat: Permeation

* Water soaking into the ground: Infiltration

* Water soaking into a seed: Imbibition

To choose the most accurate word, consider the specific material and the nature of the water movement.