malaxation

noun

malax·​a·​tion
ˌmaləkˈsāshən,
məˌlakˈs-
plural -s
1
: the act or process of reducing to a soft mass by malaxating
2
: the process by which parasitic and predatory hymenoptera chew their victims previous to feeding by the adult or larvae

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin malaxation-, malaxatio act of softening, from Latin malaxatus + -ion-, -io -ion

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 malaxation

Cite this Entry

“Malaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malaxation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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