vermiculate

[ verb ver-mik-yuh-leyt; adjective ver-mik-yuh-lit, -leyt ]
/ verb vərˈmɪk yəˌleɪt; adjective vərˈmɪk yə lɪt, -ˌleɪt /

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.
vermicular.
sinuous; tortuous; intricate: vermiculate thought processes.

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, noun un·ver·mic·u·lat·ed, adjective

Words nearby vermiculate

vermicidal, vermicide, vermicular, vermicular movement, vermicular pulse, vermiculate, vermiculation, vermicule, vermiculite, vermiculose, vermiculture

Example sentences from the Web for vermiculation

British Dictionary definitions for vermiculation (1 of 2)

vermiculation
/ (vɜːˌmɪkjʊˈleɪʃən) /

noun

physiol any wormlike movement, esp of the intestines; peristalsis
decoration consisting of wormlike carving or marks
the state of being worm-eaten

British Dictionary definitions for vermiculation (2 of 2)

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

Medical definitions for vermiculation

vermiculation
[ vər-mĭk′yə-lā′shən ]

n.

Motion resembling that of a worm, especially the wavelike contractions of the intestine; peristalsis.