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fornicatory

 - 5 dictionary results

for⋅ni⋅ca⋅tion

  [fawr-ni-key-shuhn]
Use fornicatory in a Sentence
–noun
1. voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other.
2. Bible. idolatry.
Origin:
1300–50; ME fornicacioun < LL fornicātiōn- (s. of fornicātiō). See fornicate 1 , -ion

Related forms:
for⋅ni⋅ca⋅to⋅ry  [fawr-ni-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

fornication 
c.1300, from O.Fr. fornication, from L.L. fornicationem (nom. fornicatio), from fornicari "fornicate," from L. fornix (gen. fornicis) "brothel," originally "arch, vaulted chamber" (Roman prostitutes commonly solicited from under the arches of certain buildings), from fornus "oven of arched or domed shape." Strictly, "voluntary sex between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman;" extended in the Bible to adultery.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: for·ni·ca·tion
Pronunciation: "for-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin fornicatio, from fornicare to have intercourse with prostitutes, from Latin fornic- fornix arch, vault, brothel
: consensual sexual intercourse between a man and esp. single woman who are not married to each other; also : the crime of engaging in fornication —compare ADULTERY
NOTE: Where still considered a crime, fornication is classified as a misdemeanor.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: for·ni·ca·tion
Pronunciation: "for-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
: consensual sexual intercourse between two personsnot married to each other
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

fornication for·ni·ca·tion (fôr'nĭ-kā'shən)
n.
Sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other.

for'ni·cate' v.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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