Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

despumate

verb des·pu·mate \ ˈdespyüˌmāt , də̇ˈs- \

Definition of despumate

-ed/-ing/-s
transitive verb
archaic : to clarify (something, such as wine or honey) by removing a surface scum : skim
intransitive verb
archaic : to cast off a scum : work off impurities in foam or scum

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of despumate

Latin despumatus, past participle of despumare to skim off, from de- + spuma froth

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up despumate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games