comminute

[ kom-uh-noot, -nyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, com·mi·nut·ed, com·mi·nut·ing.

1. to pulverize; triturate.

adjective

1. comminuted; divided into small parts.
2. powdered; pulverized.

comminute

/ ˈkɒmɪˌnjuːt /

verb

1. to break (a bone) into several small fragments
2. to divide (property) into small lots
3. tr to pulverize

Derived Forms

• ˌcommiˈnution, noun

Other Words From

• commi·nution noun
• un·commi·nuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of comminute¹

1620–30; < Latin comminūtus, past participle of comminuere, equivalent to com- com- + minuere to lessen, akin to minor minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of comminute¹

C17: from Latin comminuere, from com- (intensive) + minuere to reduce; related to minor

Example Sentences

That the stomach is fully able to comminute the food may be proved by the following calculation.

From Project Gutenberg

Likewise the double teeth or grinders, either drop out, or rot away; so as now to be too few remaining to comminute solid food.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• break
• crumble
• mash
• squash
• squeeze
• trample