vermiculate

adjective

ver·​mic·​u·​late (ˌ)vər-ˈmi-kyə-lət How to pronounce vermiculate (audio)
variants or vermiculated
1
2
: full of worms : worm-eaten
3
a
b
: marked with irregular fine lines or with wavy impressed lines
a vermiculate nut

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vermiculātus "marked with wavy lines," from vermiculus "insect larva, grub" (from vermis "worm" + -culus, diminutive suffix) + -ātus -ate entry 3 — more at worm entry 1

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vermiculate was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near vermiculate

Cite this Entry

“Vermiculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vermiculate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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