English Explanatory Dictionary

vellicate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
  2. To twitch or move convulsively.
  3. To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.
  4. To criticize in a somewhat irritating way; to carp at.

Pronunciation

/ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/

Word forms

vellicate vellicates vellicating vellicated

Etymology

From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).

Related words

vellicating vellication vellicative tickle titillate
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