View synonyms for defecate

defecate

[ def-i-keyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.
to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

verb (used with object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

defecate

/ ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt /

verb

intr to discharge waste from the body through the anus
tr to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

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Derived Forms

ˈdefeˌcator, noun
ˌdefeˈcation, noun

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Other Words From

def·e·ca·tion [def-i-, key, -sh, uh, n] noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex “dregs, sediment”) + -ātus -ate ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from de- + faex sediment, dregs

Related Words

defeature defecation

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