English verb: vellicate | |||
1. | vellicate (perception) touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements | ||
Synonyms | tickle, titillate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | itch | ||
2. | vellicate (change) irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear | ||
Samples | Smooth surfaces can vellicate the teeth. The pain is as if sharp points pinch your back. | ||
Synonyms | pinch | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | irritate | ||