urticate

[ur-ti-keyt]

verb (used with object), ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.

to sting with or as if with nettles.

to whip with or as if with nettles, especially so as to produce a stinging sensation; flog; lash.

verb (used without object), ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.

to sting in the manner of a nettle.

Origin of urticate

1835–45; < Medieval Latin urtīcātus (past participle of urtīcāre to sting), equivalent to Latin urtīc(a) nettle + -ātus -ate¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for urticate

urticate

adjective

Also: urticant (ˈɜːtɪkənt) characterized by the presence of weals

verb

to perform urtication

Word Origin for urticate

C19: from Medieval Latin urtīcāre to sting, from Latin urtīca a nettle

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

Medicine definitions for urticate

urticate

[ûr′tĭ-kāt′]

v.

To undergo urtication.

adj.

Characterized by the presence of urticaria.