vesiculate
|ve-si-cu-late|
/ˈvɛzɪkjʊleɪt/
form small blisters or bubbles
Etymology
'vesiculate' originates from Latin, specifically the diminutive noun 'vesicula' meaning 'small bladder' or 'little blister', where 'vesica' meant 'bladder'. The English verb was formed with the verb-forming suffix '-ate' (via Medieval/Modern Latin 'vesiculatus').
'vesiculate' changed from Medieval/Modern Latin 'vesiculatus' (past participle/adjectival form from 'vesicula') and was adopted into English as 'vesiculate' (verb/adjective) in scientific and medical usage in the 18th–19th centuries.
Initially, it meant 'to form or be covered with small bladders or blisters' in medical and descriptive contexts; over time the core sense remained and broadened into related uses (e.g., formation of small cavities or bubbles in geology and materials).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to form vesicles or blisters; to become blistered (medical, botanical, or general usage).
After contact with the irritant, the skin began to vesiculate within hours.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to develop small cavities or bubbles (used of molten rock or materials when gases escape, producing vesicles).
As the lava cooled, it began to vesiculate, leaving a frothy, porous texture.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
having vesicles or blister-like elevations; blistered or covered with small blisters.
The specimen showed a vesiculate surface after prolonged exposure to the solvent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/11 18:19