The term 'penetrating quality' can be broken down into two words, 'EDGE' and 'trenchancy'. EDGE is a four-letter word that refers to the sharpness or keenness of an object. Trenchancy is a ten-letter word that describes the quality of being able to penetrate deeply or cut through something. Together, these two words describe a penetrating quality, which is the ability to cut through or penetrate something with great force or precision.