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Added 10 October 2026

vellicate

/ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/ verb

Latin root: vellicatus Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vellicate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
To twitch or move convulsively.
To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.

Origin

From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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