Search Dictionary
Definition of depilate

depilate

/ˈdɛp.ɪ.leɪt/
dep · i · late
Adjective:depilatory
•
Past Simple:depilated
•
Past Participle:depilated
•
Present Participle:depilating
JUMP TO:

depilate Lexical Profile

depilate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To remove hair from the body or from animal hides, especially by applying a chemical agent or shaving at the surface of the skin.

Example

"In leather manufacturing, tanners soak the raw hides in a lime solution to depilate them before curing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for depilate

Word Nuance & Usage

'Depilate' and 'epilate' are often confused in dermatology and cosmetics: 'depilate' refers to removing hair only at the skin's surface (as with chemical creams or shaving), whereas 'epilate' refers to extracting the entire hair shaft including the root (as with waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis).

• Nearby Words

depersonalize
depict
depiction
depilate
depilator
deplane
deplatform

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin 'depilatus', the past participle of 'depilare' ('to pluck out hair'), formed from 'de-' ('away, off') and 'pilus' ('hair').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Depilate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/depilate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.