defecate

[ def-i-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

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

verb (used with object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

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

defecate

/ ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˈdefeˌcator, noun
• ˌdefeˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• def·e·ca·tion [def-i-, key, -sh, uh, n] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex “dregs, sediment”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

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

Related Words

• discharge
• secrete