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amate

transitive verb (1)
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-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of amate

 (Entry 1 of 3)

archaic
: to cast down : dishearten, subdue

amate

transitive verb (2)
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of amate (Entry 2 of 3)

obsolete
: to be a mate to : match

amate

noun
ama·​te | \ äˈmätē \
plural -s

Definition of amate (Entry 3 of 3)

: a Central American timber tree (Ficus glabrata) with lustrous foliage and edible fruits

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First Known Use of amate

Transitive verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Transitive verb (2)

1578, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1862, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for amate

Transitive verb (1)

Middle English amaten, from Middle French amatir, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + matir to overcome, from mat defeated, overcome

Transitive verb (2)

a- (perfective prefix) + mate (to couple, match)

Noun

Spanish, from Nahuatl amatl, short for amacuahuitl, literally, paper tree, from amatl paper + cuahuitl tree

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Time Traveler for amate

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The first known use of amate was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near amate

a match made in heaven

amate

amateur

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Cite this Entry

“Amate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amate. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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