e⋅lu⋅ci⋅date
[i-loo-si-deyt]
Show IPA verb, -dat⋅ed, -dat⋅ing.–verb (used with object)
| 1. | to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior. |
–verb (used without object)
| 2. | to provide clarification; explain. |
Origin:
1560–70; < LL ēlūcidātus (ptp. of ēlūcidāre) enlightened, equiv. toē- e- + lūcid(us) lucid + -ātus -ate 1
1560–70; < LL ēlūcidātus (ptp. of ēlūcidāre) enlightened, equiv. toē- e- + lūcid(us) lucid + -ātus -ate 1
Related forms:
e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tion, noun
e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tive, adjective
e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tor, noun
To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement.
