Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

muricate

adjective
mu·ri·cate | \ˈmyu̇rəˌkāt, -kə̇t\
variants: or less commonly muricated \-ˌkātə̇d \

Definition of muricate 

: roughened with sharp hard points — compare echinate

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!

History and Etymology for muricate

muricate from Latin muricatus pointed like a purple fish, from muric-, murex purple shell + -atus -ate; muricated from Latin muricatus + English -ed

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about muricate

Dictionary Entries near muricate

muriated

muriate of potash

muriatic acid

muricate

muricid

Muricidae

muriculate

Statistics for muricate

Look-up Popularity

Comments on muricate

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

mawkish

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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