Pronunciation: [lˈɛvɪɡˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "Levigate" is a verb meaning to smooth or reduce to a fine consistency. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It starts with the "L" sound, followed by "uh" and "v." The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "i," like the "ee" sound in "bee." The final syllable starts with a soft "g" sound, followed by "ay" and "t." The IPA transcription for "Levigate" is /ˈlɛvɪgeɪt/.
The term "levigate" is primarily used as a verb and has various definitions depending on the context in which it is used. It originates from the Latin word "levigatus," meaning smoothed or polished.
In the field of pharmacy and medicine, levigate refers to the process of grinding or reducing a substance into a fine powder or a smooth paste using a grinding tool or mortar and pestle. This technique is commonly employed to make powdered drugs or herbal ingredients easier to mix with other substances, such as creams, ointments, or solutions. Levigating a substance ensures uniformity and homogeneous distribution, improving its efficacy and facilitating its incorporation into various pharmaceutical preparations.
Beyond pharmaceutical applications, levigating can also be used metaphorically to describe the action of making something smoother, more polished, or refined. This usage commonly appears in literature or artistic circles, referring to the act of refining ideas, language, or artistic works through careful editing, revising, or polishing. By levigating their writing, painters their brush strokes, or musicians their compositions, artists strive to enhance the quality and aesthetics of their work.
In summary, levigate encompasses two main definitions: the grinding or reducing of a substance into a fine powder or smooth paste in pharmaceutical processes, and the metaphorical action of refining or polishing to improve the quality of a creative or artistic work.
In chem., to rub or grind to a very fine powder by means of water and a stone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "levigate" originated from the Latin term "levigatus", which is the past participle of the verb "levigare". "Levigare" can be broken down into two Latin roots: "levis", meaning "smooth", and "agere", meaning "to make". When combined, "levigare" literally means "to make smooth". Over time, the term was adapted into English as "levigate", maintaining a similar meaning of making something smooth or grinding it into a fine powder.
