maculate

[ adjective mak-yuh-lit; verb mak-yuh-leyt ]

adjective

1. spotted; stained.
2. Archaic. defiled; impure.

verb (used with object)

, Archaic.

, mac·u·lat·ed, mac·u·lat·ing.

1. to mark with a spot or spots; stain.
2. to sully or pollute.

maculate

verb

1. tr to spot, stain, or pollute

adjective

1. spotted or polluted

Word History and Origins

Origin of maculate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin maculātus (past participle of maculāre to spot, stain). See macula, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of maculate¹

C15: from Latin maculāre to stain

Example Sentences

A few drops of lukewarm water maculated the sidewalks with spots as big as dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

And I was shown in that Vision the Calvaries of maternity common to all, whether the conception be immaculate, so-called if within the law, or maculate, so-called if without the law.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten priests, in white vestments, maculated with red, stepped out to the centre of the altar.

From Project Gutenberg

His heavy, blunt hand fumbled under the maculate apron; his chest heaved with a sudden, tempestuous breathing.

From Project Gutenberg

The room was long, dark, narrow, slovenly, spaced with tables on which were maculate cloths and lamps with faded shades.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• besmirch
• contaminate
• debase
• degrade
• muddy
• pollute
• smear
• smudge
• sully
• taint
• tar
• tarnish