vermiculate

An obsolete adjective meaning worm-eaten, wormy, or having a worm-like shape or pattern; rarely used in modern English.

• 🇫🇷Adjectif désuet signifiant rongé par les vers, vermoulu, ou ayant une forme ou un motif évoquant des vers ; rarement utilisé en anglais moderne.

1. Infested or damaged by worms C2 formal

   Describes something that is infested with worms or shows damage resembling worm-eaten patterns.

   • The old wooden beams were vermiculate, showing signs of extensive worm damage.
   • The archaeologist noted the vermiculate condition of the ancient manuscript.
   • The fruit was vermiculate and had to be discarded.

   🇫🇷Infesté ou endommagé par les vers

   Synonymes: grubbymaggotyworm-eatenwormy

2. Decorated with wormlike tracery C2 formal

   Describes an ornamental pattern that resembles worm tracks or wavy lines, often used in architecture or art.

   • The cathedral's columns featured intricate vermiculate carvings.
   • The artist specialized in vermiculate designs on pottery.
   • The vermiculate patterns on the ceiling added a unique texture to the room.

   🇫🇷vermiculé

   Antonymes: plainsimpleundecorated

• more vermiculate comparative form
• most vermiculate superlative form

An obsolete verb meaning to inlay or adorn with a pattern resembling worm tracks or vermicelli; also used figuratively to mean to insinuate or worm one's way into something.

• 🇫🇷Verbe vieilli ou rare signifiant incruster ou orner d'un motif évoquant des traces de vers ou de vermicelle ; il s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner le fait de s'insinuer ou de se glisser dans la confiance de quelqu'un.

1. Decorate with wavy lines C2 formal art

   To ornament or mark with wavy, winding, or worm-like lines or patterns.

   • The artisan vermiculated the pottery with intricate designs.
   • Ancient manuscripts were sometimes vermiculated with decorative borders.
   • The artist vermiculated the metal surface to create a unique texture.

   🇫🇷Orner de lignes ondulées

• vermiculated past participle
• vermiculated past simple
• vermiculating present participle
• vermiculates third person singular