obturate
[ ob-tuh-reyt, -tyuh- ]
/ ˈɒb təˌreɪt, -tyə- /
verb (used with object), ob·tu·rat·ed, ob·tu·rat·ing.
to stop up; close.
Ordnance. to close (a hole or cavity) so as to prevent a flow of gas through it, especially the escape of explosive gas from a gun tube during firing.
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Origin of obturate
1550–60; < Latin obtūrātus, past participle of obtūrāre to block, stop up
OTHER WORDS FROM obturate
ob·tu·ra·tion, nounob·tu·ra·tor, nounWords nearby obturate
obtest, obtrude, obtrusion, obtrusive, obtund, obturate, obturating embolism, obturator, obturator artery, obturator canal, obturator crest
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for obturator
British Dictionary definitions for obturator
obturate
/ (ˈɒbtjʊəˌreɪt) /
verb
(tr) to stop up (an opening, esp the breech of a gun)
Derived forms of obturate
obturation, nounobturator, nounWord Origin for obturate
C17: from Latin obtūrāre to block up, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for obturator (1 of 2)
obturator
[ ŏb′tə-rā′tər ]
n.
A structure, such as the soft palate, that closes an opening in the body.
A prosthetic device that serves to close an opening or cleft, especially in the palate.
A stylus or removable plug used during the insertion of many tubular instruments.
Medical definitions for obturator (2 of 2)
obturate
[ ŏb′tə-rāt′ ]
v.
To close or obstruct.
Other words from obturate
ob′tu•ra′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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