avulsed; avulsing

transitive verb

: to separate by avulsion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Geographers had already noticed that rivers tend to avulse at the foot of mountains, where slopes change dramatically and sediment settles out, silting up the bed. Fred Pearce, Science | AAAS, 13 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'avulse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Latin avulsus, past participle of avellere to tear off, from ab- + vellere to pluck — more at vulnerable

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avulse was in 1734

Dictionary Entries Near avulse

Cite this Entry

“Avulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avulse. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

avulse

transitive verb
avulsed; avulsing
: to separate by avulsion
an avulsed ligament
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