maculation

noun

mac·​u·​la·​tion ˌma-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce maculation (audio)
1
archaic : the state of being spotted
2
a
: a blemish in the form of a discrete spot
acne scars and maculations
b
: the arrangement of spots and markings on an animal or plant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maculacion "sexual defilement," borrowed from Medieval Latin maculātiōn-, maculātiō "act of marking, mark, stain, defilement," going back to Latin, "marking, pattern of marks,", from maculāre "to cover with stains, soil, disgrace, mark with colored patches" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at maculate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maculation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near maculation

maculate

maculation

maculature

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Maculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maculation. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

maculation

noun
mac·​u·​la·​tion ˌmak-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce maculation (audio)
1
: a blemish in the form of a discrete spot
acne scars and maculations
2
: the arrangement of spots and markings on an animal or plant
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