obturate

[ ob-tuh-reyt, -tyuh- ]
/ ˈɒb təˌreɪt, -tyə- /

verb (used with object), ob·tu·rat·ed, ob·tu·rat·ing.

to stop up; close.
Ordnance. to close (a hole or cavity) so as to prevent a flow of gas through it, especially the escape of explosive gas from a gun tube during firing.

Origin of obturate

1550–60; < Latin obtūrātus, past participle of obtūrāre to block, stop up

OTHER WORDS FROM obturate

ob·tu·ra·tion, noun ob·tu·ra·tor, noun

Words nearby obturate

obtest, obtrude, obtrusion, obtrusive, obtund, obturate, obturating embolism, obturator, obturator artery, obturator canal, obturator crest

Example sentences from the Web for obturator

British Dictionary definitions for obturator

obturate
/ (ˈɒbtjʊəˌreɪt) /

verb

(tr) to stop up (an opening, esp the breech of a gun)

Derived forms of obturate

obturation, noun obturator, noun

Word Origin for obturate

C17: from Latin obtūrāre to block up, of obscure origin

Medical definitions for obturator (1 of 2)

obturator
[ ŏb′tə-rā′tər ]

n.

A structure, such as the soft palate, that closes an opening in the body.
A prosthetic device that serves to close an opening or cleft, especially in the palate.
A stylus or removable plug used during the insertion of many tubular instruments.

Medical definitions for obturator (2 of 2)

obturate
[ ŏb′tə-rāt′ ]

v.

To close or obstruct.

Other words from obturate

ob′tu•ra′tion n.