defaunate

transitive verb

de·​fau·​nate
(ˈ)dēˈfȯˌnāt
-ed/-ing/-s
: to remove a fauna from : remove the intestinal protozoans of (termites)
defaunation
ˌdēˌfȯˈnāshən
noun
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

de- + New Latin fauna + English -ate

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near defaunate

Cite this Entry

“Defaunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defaunate. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!