defecate
[ def-i-keyt ]
/ ˈdɛf ɪˌkeɪt /
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.
Nearby words
defeasible, defeat, defeatism, defeatist, defeature, defecate, defect, defectible, defection, defective, defective bacteriophage
Origin of defecate
Related forms
def·e·ca·tion, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for defecate
defecate
defaecate
/ (ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt) /
verb
(intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus
(tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)
Derived Forms
defecation or defaecation, noundefecator or defaecator, nounWord Origin for defecate
C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from de- + faex sediment, dregs
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for defecate
defecate
[ dĕf′ĭ-kāt′ ]
v.
To void feces from the bowels.
Related forms
def′e•ca′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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