lucubrate

[ loo-kyoo-breyt ]

verb (used without object)

, lu·cu·brat·ed, lu·cu·brat·ing.

1. to work, write, or study laboriously, especially at night.
2. to write learnedly.

lucubrate

/ ˈluːkjʊˌbreɪt /

verb

1. intr to write or study, esp at night

Derived Forms

• ˈlucuˌbrator, noun

Other Words From

• lucu·brator noun
• lu·cu·bra·to·ry [loo-, kyoo, -br, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucubrate¹

1615–25; < Latin lūcubrātus, past participle of lūcubrāre to work by artificial light, equivalent to lūcu-, variant (before labials) of lūci-, combining form of lūcēre to shine + -br ( um ) instrumental suffix + -ā- theme vowel + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucubrate¹

C17: from Latin lūcubrāre to work by lamplight

Example Sentences

I lucubrate, when I consider, &c. &c., whereas, &c. &c., and even then, &c. &c.,

From Project Gutenberg

His speech might with propriety have been designated the Gospel of Progress, for Hans Shund had made capital of whatever freethinkers had lucubrated in behalf of so-called enlightenment, and in opposition to Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg