insulate
[ in-suh-leyt, ins-yuh- ]
/ ˈɪn səˌleɪt, ˈɪns yə- /
verb (used with object), in·su·lat·ed, in·su·lat·ing.
to cover, line, or separate with a material that prevents or reduces the passage, transfer, or leakage of heat, electricity, or sound: to insulate an electric wire with a rubber sheath; to insulate a coat with down.
to place in an isolated situation or condition; segregate.
Nearby words
insular, insular celtic, insularity, insularize, insularly, insulate, insulating tape, insulation, insulative, insulator, insulin
Origin of insulate
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for insulate
British Dictionary definitions for insulate
insulate
/ (ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪt) /
verb (tr)
to prevent or reduce the transmission of electricity, heat, or sound to or from (a body, device, or region) by surrounding with a nonconducting material
to isolate or detach
Word Origin for insulate
C16: from Late Latin insulātus: made into an island
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for insulate
insulate
1530s, "make into an island," from Latin insulatus, from insula (see insular). Sense of "cause a person or thing to be detached from surroundings" is from 1785. Electrical/chemical sense of "block from electricity or heat" is from 1742. Related: Insulated; insulating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper