defecate

[ def-i-keyt ]
/ ˈdɛf ɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object), def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.
to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

verb (used with object), def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

Origin of defecate

1565–75; < Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre to cleanse, refine), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex dregs, sediment) + -ātus -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM defecate

def·e·ca·tion, noun

British Dictionary definitions for defecate

defecate

defaecate

/ (ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt) /

verb

(intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus
(tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

Derived forms of defecate

defecation or defaecation, noun defecator or defaecator, noun

Word Origin for defecate

C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from de- + faex sediment, dregs

Medical definitions for defecate

defecate
[ dĕfĭ-kāt′ ]

v.

To void feces from the bowels.

Other words from defecate

def′e•cation n.