The term 'slowly permeate' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'SEEP'. Seepage is the process of a liquid slowly passing through a porous material, such as soil or rock. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs when water passes through cracks and fissures in rocks and soils, and is often used to describe the slow movement of groundwater. Seepage is an important part of the hydrological cycle, as it helps to replenish aquifers and other water sources.