sternutate

English

Etymology

From Latin sternūtāre.

Verb

sternutate (third-person singular simple present sternutates, present participle sternutating, simple past and past participle sternutated)

1. (humorous, medical slang) To expel air as a reflex induced by an irritation in the nose.

   Synonym: sneeze

   • 2020 October 11, Lisa Geddes, “Calling all sneezers: scientists try to unpick mystery of 'photosneezia'”, in The Guardian‎^[1]:

     Scientists are attempting to unpick the mystery of the “photic sneeze” – a bizarre reflex that causes people to sternutate, or sneeze, in response to bright light – and they need your help.

Derived terms

• sternutation

Latin

Verb

sternūtāte

1. second-person plural present active imperative of sternūtō