maculate

adjective

mac·​u·​late ˈma-kyə-lət How to pronounce maculate (audio)
variants or maculated
ˈma-kyə-ˌlā-təd How to pronounce maculate (audio)
Synonyms of maculatenext
1
: marked with spots : blotched
2
: impure, besmirched

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin maculātus, past participle of maculāre "to cover with stains, soil, disgrace, mark with colored patches," derivative of macula "stain, spot, blemish" — more at macula

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of maculate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for maculate

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Cite this Entry

“Maculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maculate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

maculate

adjective
mac·​u·​late ˈmak-yə-lət How to pronounce maculate (audio)
: marked with spots

More from Merriam-Webster on maculate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maculate

Nglish: Translation of maculate for Spanish Speakers

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