levigate

American  

[lev-i-geyt, lev-i-git, -geyt] / ˈlɛv ɪˌgeɪt, ˈlɛv ɪ gɪt, -ˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

levigated, levigating

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 British  

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• levigation noun
• levigator noun
• unlevigated adjective

Etymology

Origin of levigate

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

Example Sentences

Levigate, lev′i-gāt, v.t. to lighten, belittle.

From Project Gutenberg

Levigate, lev′i-gāt, v.t. to make smooth: to grind to a fine, impalpable powder.—adj. made smooth, polished.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

One method of preparing it, is to levigate any quantity of gold or silver leaves on a stone, with some clarified honey; dilute the honey with clear water, that the bronze may settle; pour off the water and honey, and add fresh water to the bronze, which, after being thus thoroughly washed, may be dried on paper, and is ready for use.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Levigate -us: with a smooth, somewhat shiny surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• grate
• pulverize
• reduce
• scrape