obliterative

adjective

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oblit·er·a·tive | \ ə-ˈbli-tə-ˌrā-tiv

, ō-, -rə-tiv \

Definition of obliterative

: inducing or characterized by obliteration: such as

a : causing or accompanied by closure or collapse of a lumen obliterative arterial disease

b : tending to make inconspicuous obliterative behavior

Examples of obliterative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So engineers at Pennsylvania State University came up with an engine that combines the positive attributes of fission and fusion with the obliterative energy available in antimatter collisions. — Meghan Herbst, Wired, 17 June 2021 That’s all that was needed; deaf culture went on the chopping block the minute an obliterative procedure was developed. — New York Times, 6 Apr. 2021

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