flatulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal/medical, humorous, or deliberately euphemistic.
Quick answer
What does “flatulate” mean?
To release intestinal gas through the anus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To release intestinal gas through the anus.
No significant extended meaning. The verb specifically and exclusively refers to the act of passing wind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major dialectal difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is perceived as a formal, clinical, or jocularly pompous synonym for a crude bodily function.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with near-identical usage patterns.
Grammar
How to Use “flatulate” in a Sentence
[Subject] flatulates[Subject] flatulates [Adverbial]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flatulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The patient reported an inability to flatulate comfortably after the surgery.
- He jokingly excused himself, claiming he needed to flatulate.
American English
- The medication can sometimes cause you to flatulate more than usual.
- It's considered rude to flatulate loudly in a confined space.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Flatulent' is the related adjective.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Flatulent' is the related adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Very rare, may appear in medical or physiological texts as a formal term.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual speech; used mainly for deliberate humour or faux-formality.
Technical
Used in some medical contexts, though 'pass flatus' is more standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatulate”
- Using it as a noun ('a flatulate'). The noun is 'flatulence'.
- Confusing it with 'deflate' or 'inflate'.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 't' sound in the middle (/ˈflætjuːleɪt/ is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard English verb, though it is a back-formation and is used infrequently.
'Flatulate' is formal, clinical, or humorously euphemistic. 'Fart' is the direct, common, and often considered vulgar term.
No. The act is 'flatulence'. You cannot say 'He did a flatulate'. You say 'He flatulated' or 'He suffered from flatulence'.
Generally, no. It sounds overly formal or pretentious. In most casual situations, people use phrases like 'pass gas' or slang terms.
To release intestinal gas through the anus.
Flatulate is usually formal/medical, humorous, or deliberately euphemistic. in register.
Flatulate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflatjʊleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætʃəˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use this specific verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'FLATulence' needs to 'regULATE' itself, so it FLAT-UL-ATES.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A PRESSURISED CONTAINER (releasing pressure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'flatulate' MOST likely to be used appropriately?