defecate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɛfɪkeɪt, ˈdiːf-/
(British also defaecate)

verb

[no object]
  • discharge faeces from the body.

Derivatives

defecator

noun

defecatory

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'clear of dregs, purify'): from Latin defaecat- 'cleared of dregs', from the verb defaecare, from de- (expressing removal) + faex, faec- 'dregs'. The current sense dates from the mid 19th century