maculate

adjective

mac·u·late ˈma-kyə-lət

variants or maculated

ˈma-kyə-ˌlā-təd

Synonyms of maculate next

: marked with spots : blotched

: 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Maculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maculate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

maculate

adjective

mac·u·late ˈmak-yə-lət

: marked with spots

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

paroxysm

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

maculate

adjective

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near maculate

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition