levigate

[ verb lev-i-geyt; adjective lev-i-git, -geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, lev·i·gat·ed, lev·i·gat·ing.

1. to rub, grind, or reduce to a fine powder, as in a mortar, with or without the addition of a liquid.
2. Chemistry. to make a homogeneous mixture of, as gels.

adjective

1. Botany. having a smooth, glossy surface; glabrous.

levigate

/ ˈlɛvɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. tr to grind into a fine powder or a smooth paste
2. to form or cause to form a homogeneous mixture, as in the production of gels
3. tr to suspend (fine particles) by grinding in a liquid, esp as a method of separating fine from coarse particles

adjective

1. botany having a smooth polished surface; glabrous

Derived Forms

• ˌleviˈgation, noun
• ˈleviˌgator, noun

Other Words From

• levi·gation noun
• levi·gator noun
• un·levi·gated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of levigate¹

1605–15; < Latin lēvigātus, past participle of lēvigāre to smooth, pulverize, equivalent to lēv ( is ) smooth + -igāre v. suffix fumigate, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of levigate¹

C17: from Latin lēvigāre, from lēvis smooth

Example Sentences

Mark first the rationale of the thing: Hear logic rivel and levigate the deed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• grate
• pulverize
• reduce
• scrape