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elucidate

[ih-loo-si-deyt]
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verb (used with object), e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.
  1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior.
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verb (used without object), e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.
  1. to provide clarification; explain.
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Origin of elucidate

1560–70; < Late Latin ēlūcidātus (past participle of ēlūcidāre) enlightened, equivalent to ē- e-1 + lūcid(us) lucid + -ātus -ate1
Related formse·lu·ci·da·tion, noune·lu·ci·da·tive, adjectivee·lu·ci·da·tor, nounnon·e·lu·ci·dat·ing, adjectivenon·e·lu·ci·da·tion, nounnon·e·lu·ci·da·tive, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·dat·ed, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·dat·ing, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·da·tive, adjective

Synonym study

See explain.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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Contemporary Examples

British Dictionary definitions for elucidative

elucidate

verb
  1. to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify
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Derived Formselucidation, nounelucidative or elucidatory, adjectiveelucidator, noun

Word Origin

C16: from Late Latin ēlūcidāre to enlighten; see lucid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for elucidative

elucidate

v.

1560s, perhaps via Middle French élucider (15c.) or directly from Late Latin elucidatus, past participle of elucidare "make clear," from ex- "out, away" (see ex-) + lucidus "clear" (see lucid). Related: Elucidated; elucidates; elucidating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper