NYT Dictionary
VELLICATE
/ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/VerbVEL-li-catevel-li-cate · 3 syllablesAdvanced/Professional
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2025.