I. (ˌ)sər-ˈti-fi-kət noun
Etymology: Middle English certificat, from Medieval Latin certificatum, from Late Latin, neuter of certificatus, past participle of certificare to certify
Date: 15th century
1. : a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something ; specifically : a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field
2. : something serving the same end as a certificate
3. : a document evidencing ownership or debt
a stock certificate
II. -ˈti-fə-ˌkāt transitive verb
( -cat·ed ; -cat·ing )
Date: 1818
: to testify to or authorize by a certificate ; especially : certify 4
• cer·tif·i·ca·to·ry -ˈti-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē adjective