defecate

American  

[def-i-keyt] / ˈdɛf ɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object)

defecated, defecating

1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.

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

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verb (used with object)

defecated, defecating

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

defecate British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• defecation
  noun
• defecator
  noun

Etymology

Origin of defecate

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

Example Sentences

Defecate, def′e-kāt, v.t. to clear from dregs or impurities: to purify from extraneous matter.—v.i. to void excrement.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• discharge
• secrete