SUBLIMATE • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Sublimate

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verb

Sublimate v. t. (past & past part. sublimated; pres. part. sublimating)

To bring by heat into the state of vapor, which, on cooling, returns again to the solid state; as, to sublimate sulphur or camphor.

To refine and exalt; to heighten; to elevate. "The precepts of Christianity are... so apt to cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt."

(Psychology) To redirect the energy (of sexual or other biological drives) into a more socially acceptable or constructive form.

noun

Sublimate n. (Chem.) A product obtained by sublimation; hence, also, a purified product so obtained.

Corrosive sublimate. (Chem.) mercuric chloride. See Corrosive sublimate under Corrosive.

adjective

Sublimate adj. Brought into a state of vapor by heat, and again condensed as a solid.

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Etymology of 'Sublimate'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Sublimate" Quotes from Famous Books

... white powder, without taste, and insoluble in water. It has been occasionally known to destroy life.—Symptoms. Much the same as in the case of corrosive sublimate.—Treatment. The same as for corrosive sublimate. If the gums are sore, wash them, as recommended in the case of corrosive sublimate, with brandy-and-water three or four times a day, and keep the patient on fluids, such as arrowroot, gruel, broth, ...

— The Book of Household Management • Mrs. Isabella Beeton

... heads were never so perversely principled as to invent them. In this kind we commend the wisdom and goodness of Galen, who would not leave unto the world too subtle a theory of poisons; unarming thereby the malice of venomous spirits, whose ignorance must be contented with sublimate and arsenic. For surely there are subtler venerations, such as will invisibly destroy, and like the basilisks of heaven. In things of this nature silence commendeth history: 'tis the veniable part of things lost; wherein there must ...

— Library Of The World's Best Literature, Ancient And Modern, Vol 6 • Various

... to sublimate this entirely from burlesque, but its true nature is instanced by the opening lines of the Miles, where the vainglorious Pyrgopolinices, with many a sweep and strut, addresses his attendants, who are probably staggering under the weight of an ...

— The Dramatic Values in Plautus • Wilton Wallace Blancke

... roll,—the whole thing was less than four dollars. You can call it your Christmas present from me, if you like, and I shall 'play' besides that the other paper had arsenic in it; I'm sure it looked as if it had, and corrosive sublimate, too." ...

— Clover • Susan Coolidge

... of magnesia is thrown into a solution of the corrosive sublimate of mercury, it soon separates part of the mercury in the form of a dark red powder, ...

— Experiments upon magnesia alba, Quicklime, and some other Alcaline Substances • Joseph Black

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