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sub·li·mate

(sŭblə-māt′)

v. sub·li·mat·ed, sub·li·mat·ing, sub·li·mates

v. intr.
Chemistry

To be transformed directly from the solid to the gaseous state or from the gaseous to the solid state without becoming a liquid.

v. tr.

1. Chemistry To cause (a solid or gas) to sublimate.

2. Psychology In psychoanalytic theory, to divert or modify (an instinctual impulse or drive) into an activity or interest of higher social value.

Chemistry A product of sublimation.

[Latin sublīmāre, sublīmāt-, to elevate, from sublīmis, uplifted.]

sub′li·mation (-māshən) n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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