inquinate

transitive verb

in·​qui·​nate
ˈinkwəˌnāt
-ed/-ing/-s
inquination
ˌ⸗⸗ˈnāshən
noun
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

Latin inquinatus, past participle of inquinare, from in- in- entry 2 + -quinare (akin to Latin caenum filth, ordure)

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 inquinate

Cite this Entry

“Inquinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquinate. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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