levigate

lev·i·gate

transitive verb \ˈle-və-ˌgāt\

lev·i·gat·edlev·i·gat·ing

Definition of LEVIGATE

1

: polish, smooth

2

a : to grind to a fine smooth powder while in moist condition

b : to separate (fine powder) from coarser material by suspending in a liquid

— lev·i·ga·tion \ˌle-və-ˈgā-shən\ noun

Origin of LEVIGATE

Latin levigatus, past participle of levigare to make smooth, from levis smooth (akin to Greek leios smooth and perhaps to Latin linere to smear) + -igare (akin to agere to drive) — more at lime, agent

First Known Use: 1612

Rhymes with LEVIGATE

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lev·i·gate

transitive verb \ˈlev-ə-ˌgāt\   (Medical Dictionary)

lev·i·gat·ed; lev·i·gat·ing

Medical Definition of LEVIGATE

: to grind to a fine smooth powder while in moist condition <by first levigating the zinc oxide with a small amount of glycerin a smooth paste is obtained—Art of Compounding>

—lev·i·ga·tion \ˌlev-ə-ˈgā-shən\ (audio pronunciation) noun