obturate

[ ob-tuh-reyt, -tyuh- ]

verb (used with object),ob·tu·rat·ed, ob·tu·rat·ing.
  1. to stop up; close.

  2. 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.

Origin of obturate

1
1550–60; <Latin obtūrātus, past participle of obtūrāre to block, stop up

Other words from obturate

  • ob·tu·ra·tion, noun
  • ob·tu·ra·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use obturate in a sentence

  • Variations in the obturator nerve were considered to be insignificant.

  • Pistons of aluminium alloy, with three cast-iron rings, are fitted, the top ring being of the obturator type.

    A History of Aeronautics | E. Charles Vivian
  • Paralysis of the obturator nerve or nerves is met with rather frequently, notwithstanding, in mares, following dystocia.

    Lameness of the Horse | John Victor Lacroix
  • For the greater part of their length the two bones are separated by the long narrow obturator foramen.

    The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds
  • The acetabulum is deep and the obturator foramen large, and there is frequently a well-marked ischial tuberosity.

    The Vertebrate Skeleton | Sidney H. Reynolds

British Dictionary definitions for obturate

obturate

/ (ˈɒbtjʊəˌreɪt) /


verb
  1. (tr) to stop up (an opening, esp the breech of a gun)

Origin of obturate

1
C17: from Latin obtūrāre to block up, of obscure origin

Derived forms of obturate

  • obturation, noun
  • obturator, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012