[sub.lime] vb sub.limed ; sub.lim.ing [ME, fr. MF sublimer, fr. ML sublimare to refine, sublime, fr. L, to elevate, fr. sublimis] vt (14c) 1: to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
2. [F sublimer, fr. L sublimare] a (1): to elevate or exalt esp. in dignity or honor (2): to render finer (as in purity or excellence) b: to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth ~ vi: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state -- sub.lim.able adj -- sub.lim.er n
[2]sublime adj sub.lim.er ; -est [L sublimis, lit., high, elevated] (1586) 1 a: lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner b: of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth c: tending to inspire awe usu. because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence
2. a archaic: high in place b obs: lofty of mien: haughty c cap: supreme--used in a style of address d: complete, utter "~ ignorance" syn see splendid -- sub.lime.ly adv -- sub.lime.ness n