levigate

[ verb lev-i-geyt; adjective lev-i-git, -geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, lev·i·gat·ed, lev·i·gat·ing.

1. to rub, grind, or reduce to a fine powder, as in a mortar, with or without the addition of a liquid.
2. Chemistry. to make a homogeneous mixture of, as gels.

adjective

1. Botany. having a smooth, glossy surface; glabrous.

levigate

/ ˈlɛvɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. tr to grind into a fine powder or a smooth paste
2. to form or cause to form a homogeneous mixture, as in the production of gels
3. tr to suspend (fine particles) by grinding in a liquid, esp as a method of separating fine from coarse particles

adjective

1. botany having a smooth polished surface; glabrous

Derived Forms

• ˈleviˌgator, noun
• ˌleviˈgation, noun

Other Words From

• levi·gation noun
• levi·gator noun
• un·levi·gated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of levigate¹

1605–15; < Latin lēvigātus, past participle of lēvigāre to smooth, pulverize, equivalent to lēv ( is ) smooth + -igāre v. suffix fumigate, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of levigate¹

C17: from Latin lēvigāre, from lēvis smooth

Example Sentences

Levigate, lev′i-gāt, v.t. to lighten, belittle.

From Project Gutenberg

Levigate, lev′i-gāt, v.t. to make smooth: to grind to a fine, impalpable powder.—adj. made smooth, polished.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

One method of preparing it, is to levigate any quantity of gold or silver leaves on a stone, with some clarified honey; dilute the honey with clear water, that the bronze may settle; pour off the water and honey, and add fresh water to the bronze, which, after being thus thoroughly washed, may be dried on paper, and is ready for use.

From Project Gutenberg

Mark first the rationale of the thing: Hear logic rivel and levigate the deed.

From Project Gutenberg

Levigate -us: with a smooth, somewhat shiny surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• grate
• pulverize
• reduce
• scrape