maculate

[mak-yuh-lit, mak-yuh-leyt]

adjective

1. spotted; stained.

2. Archaic.,  defiled; impure.

verb (used with object)

Archaic.

maculated, maculating 

1. to mark with a spot or spots; stain.

2. to sully or pollute.

maculate

verb

1. (tr) to spot, stain, or pollute

adjective

1. spotted or polluted

Word History and Origins

Origin of maculate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin maculātus (past participle of maculāre to spot, stain). See macula, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of maculate¹

C15: from Latin maculāre to stain

Example Sentences

A few drops of lukewarm water maculated the sidewalks with spots as big as dollars.

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And I was shown in that Vision the Calvaries of maternity common to all, whether the conception be immaculate, so-called if within the law, or maculate, so-called if without the law.

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Ten priests, in white vestments, maculated with red, stepped out to the centre of the altar.

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His heavy, blunt hand fumbled under the maculate apron; his chest heaved with a sudden, tempestuous breathing.

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The room was long, dark, narrow, slovenly, spaced with tables on which were maculate cloths and lamps with faded shades.

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Related Words

• besmirch 
• contaminate 
• debase 
• degrade 
• muddy 
• pollute 
• smear 
• smudge 
• sully 
• taint 
• tar 
• tarnish