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insulate

verb

  1. protect from undesired flow
  2. isolate
L36811 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/ / /ˈɪnʃʊleɪt/ / /ˈɪnsʊleɪt/

adj

Etymology: From Latin īnsula (“isle, island”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix) or from Late Latin īnsulātus (“made an island”), see etymology at -ate. First attested in the 16th century; the general verb īnsulō (“insulate”) is attested only in New Latin and postdates the English term, but influence from an otherwise unattested Medieval Latin counterpart cannot be ruled out. Piecewise doublet of isolate.

  1. Of pollen or spores, with superficial ornamentation grouped in circular or polygonal areas separated by grooves.

    Among nonwinged grains, the sexine is rugulate, insulate, or microverrucate.

    Pollen insulate when the elements are grouped in circular or polygonal areas separated by grooves.

verb

Etymology: From Latin īnsula (“isle, island”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix) or from Late Latin īnsulātus (“made an island”), see etymology at -ate. First attested in the 16th century; the general verb īnsulō (“insulate”) is attested only in New Latin and postdates the English term, but influence from an otherwise unattested Medieval Latin counterpart cannot be ruled out. Piecewise doublet of isolate.

  1. To separate, detach, or isolate.
  2. To separate a body or material from others, e.g. by non-conductors to prevent the transfer of electricity, heat, etc.

    Ceramic can be used to insulate power lines.