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vermiculate

[ verb ver-mik-yuh-leyt; adjective ver-mik-yuh-lit, -leyt ]
/ verb vərˈmɪk yəˌleɪt; adjective vərˈmɪk yə lɪt, -ˌleɪt /
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verb (used with object), ver·mic·u·lat·ed, ver·mic·u·lat·ing.
to work or ornament with wavy lines or markings resembling the form or tracks of a worm.
adjective Also ver·mic·u·lat·ed [ver-mik-yuh-ley-tid]. /vərˈmɪk yəˌleɪ tɪd/.
worm-eaten, or appearing as if worm-eaten.
sinuous; tortuous; intricate: vermiculate thought processes.
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Origin of vermiculate

First recorded in 1595–1605, vermiculate is from the Latin word vermiculātus (past participle of vermiculārī to be worm-eaten). See vermicule, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM vermiculate

ver·mic·u·la·tion, nounun·ver·mic·u·lat·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vermiculate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for vermiculate

vermiculate

verb (vɜːˈmɪkjʊˌleɪt)
(tr) to decorate with wavy or wormlike tracery or markings
adjective (vɜːˈmɪkjʊlɪt, -ˌleɪt)
vermicular; sinuous
worm-eaten or appearing as if worm-eaten
(of thoughts, etc) insinuating; subtly tortuous

Word Origin for vermiculate

C17: from Latin vermiculātus in the form of worms, from vermis worm
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
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