English Explanatory Dictionary

insulate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To separate, detach, or isolate.
  2. To separate a body or material from others, e.g. by non-conductors to prevent the transfer of electricity, heat, etc.
adj
  1. Of pollen or spores, with superficial ornamentation grouped in circular or polygonal areas separated by grooves.

Pronunciation

/ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/ /ˈɪnʃʊleɪt/ /ˈɪnsʊleɪt/ /ˈɪnsəleɪt/ [ˈɪns(j)ʊle(ɪ)t] en-us-insulate.ogg

Word forms

insulate insulates insulating insulated

Etymology

From Latin īnsula (“isle, island”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix) or from Late Latin īnsulātus (“made an island”), see etymology at -ate. First attested in the 16th century; the general verb īnsulō (“insulate”) is attested only in New Latin and postdates the English term, but influence from an otherwise unattested Medieval Latin counterpart cannot be ruled out. Piecewise doublet of isolate.

Synonyms

isolate

Related words

insulable insular insulation isolation peninsula

Derived words

insulating tape insulation insulationism insulationist insulative insulator insulite reinsulate superinsulate underinsulate uninsulate
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