— defecation , n.
/def"i kayt'/ , v. , defecated, defecating .
v.i.
1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.
2. to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.
v.t.
3. to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.
[ 1565-75; defaecatus (ptp. of defaecare to cleanse, refine), equiv. to de- DE- + faec- (s. of faex dregs, sediment) + -atus -ATE 1 ]