levigate

[lev-i-geyt, lev-i-git, -geyt]

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

/ 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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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Related Words

• grate 
• pulverize 
• reduce 
• scrape