the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > [noun] > instrument for looking through > power of (2)
The action of penetrate, v. (in various senses). Frequently attributive, esp. in penetrating power (sometimes spec. = penetration, n. 3a).
Power of penetrating something, as a measurable quantity or quality. Optics. The power of a telescope or other instrument to make objects clearly…