vermiculate

1 of 2

adjective

ver·​mic·​u·​late (ˌ)vər-ˈmi-kyə-lət 

variants or vermiculated

(ˌ)vər-ˈmi-kyə-ˌlā-təd 

1

: tortuous, involute

2

: full of worms : worm-eaten

3

a

: vermiform

b

: marked with irregular fine lines or with wavy impressed lines

a vermiculate nut

vermiculation

(ˌ)vər-ˌmi-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

vermiculation

2 of 2

noun

ver·​mic·​u·​la·​tion

plural -s

1

: penetration by worms : the state of being worm-eaten

2

: the act or process of moving like a worm : writhing, twisting

the vermiculation of the intestines

3

: an especially ornamental narrow and wavy or tortuous marking or system of markings

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin vermiculātus "marked with wavy lines," from vermiculus "insect larva, grub" (from vermis "worm" + -culus, diminutive suffix) + -ātus -ate entry 3 — more at worm entry 1

Noun

Latin vermiculation-, vermiculatio, from vermiculatus (past participle of vermiculari) + -ion-, -io -ion

First Known Use

Adjective

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vermiculate

• apiculate
• denticulate
• particulate
• reticulate
• inarticulate