"spotted," late 15c., from Latin maculatus, past participle of maculare "to make spotted, to speckle," from macula "spot, stain" (see macula). Middle English also had maculation "sexual defilement, sinning" (late 15c.).
maculate (v.)
early 15c., from Latin maculatus, past participle of maculare "to make spotted, to speckle," from macula "spot, stain" (see macula). Related: Maculated; maculating.
maculate 英文释义
1. make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically;
"The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"
"Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man"
2. spot, stain, or pollute;
"The townspeople defiled the river by emptying raw sewage into it"
