obliterative

adjective

oblit·​er·​a·​tive ə-ˈbli-tə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce obliterative (audio)
ō-,
-rə-tiv How to pronounce obliterative (audio)
: 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 examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obliterative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

obliterate + -ive

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obliterative was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near obliterative

Cite this Entry

“Obliterative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obliterative. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

obliterative

adjective
oblit·​er·​a·​tive ə-ˈblit-ə-ˌrāt-iv How to pronounce obliterative (audio) ō- How to pronounce obliterative (audio)
-ə-rət-
: inducing or characterized by obliteration
especially : causing or accompanied by closure or collapse of a lumen
obliterative arterial disease
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