deoperculate

1 of 2

adjective

de·​operculate
¦dē+
1
: lacking an operculum
used of the capsule of a moss or hepatic after the lid has fallen
2
: having an operculum that does not separate from the capsule
used of mosses

deoperculate

2 of 2

intransitive verb

de·​oper·​cu·​late
ˌdēōˈpərkyəˌlāt
-ed/-ing/-s
: to shed or cast off the operculum
used of mosses and liverworts

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

de- + operculate

Intransitive verb

de- + New Latin operculum + English -ate

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near deoperculate

Cite this Entry

“Deoperculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deoperculate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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