defecate

[ def-i-keyt ]
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verb (used without object),def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.
  1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.

  2. to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

verb (used with object),def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.
  1. to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

Origin of defecate

1
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 -ate1

Other words from defecate

  • def·e·ca·tion [def-i-key-shuhn] /ˌdɛf ɪˈkeɪ ʃən/ noun

Words Nearby defecate

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How to use defecate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for defecate

defecate

defaecate

/ (ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt) /


verb
  1. (intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus

  2. (tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

Origin of defecate

1
C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from de- + faex sediment, dregs

Derived forms of defecate

  • defecation or defaecation, noun
  • defecator or defaecator, noun

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