expletory

adjective

ex·​ple·​to·​ry ˈek-splə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce expletory (audio)

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin explētōrius "(of a word) filling up or completing," from Latin explēre "to fill up, satisfy, make good" + tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor — more at expletive entry 2

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expletory was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near expletory

Cite this Entry

“Expletory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expletory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!