[ ɪk'spli:tɪv , ɛk- ]
■ noun
1》 an oath or swear word.
2》 Grammar a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or a line of verse without adding to the sense.
■ adjective Grammar (of a word or phrase) serving to fill out a sentence or line of verse.
Origin
ME (as adjective): from late L. expletivus , from explere 'fill out'.