obturate

[ ob-tuh-reyt, -tyuh- ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·tu·rat·ed, ob·tu·rat·ing.

1. to stop up; close.
2. Ordnance. to close (a hole or cavity) so as to prevent a flow of gas through it, especially the escape of explosive gas from a gun tube during firing.

obturate

/ ˈɒbtjʊəˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to stop up (an opening, esp the breech of a gun)

Derived Forms

• ˈobtuˌrator, noun
• ˌobtuˈration, noun

Other Words From

• obtu·ration noun
• obtu·rator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obturate¹

1550–60; < Latin obtūrātus, past participle of obtūrāre to block, stop up

Word History and Origins

Origin of obturate¹

C17: from Latin obtūrāre to block up, of obscure origin