'Sublimate' definitions:

Definition of 'sublimate'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Made pure
noun
The product of vaporization of a solid
verb
Direct energy or urges into useful activities
verb
Make more subtle or refined [syn: rarefy, sublimate, subtilize]
verb
Remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation; "purify the water" [syn: purify, sublimate, make pure, distill]
verb
Change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting; "sublime iodine"; "some salts sublime when heated" [syn: sublime, sublimate]
verb
Vaporize and then condense right back again [syn: sublime, sublimate]

Definition of 'Sublimate'

From: GCIDE
  • Sublimate \Sub"li*mate\, a. [LL. sublimatus.] Brought into a state of vapor by heat, and again condensed as a solid. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Sublimate'

From: GCIDE
  • Sublimate \Sub"li*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sublimated; p. pr. & vb. n. Sublimating.] [L. sublimatus, p. p. of sublimare to raise, elevate, fr. sublimis high: cf. F. sublimer. See Sublime, a., and cf. Surlime, v. t.]
  • 1. To bring by heat into the state of vapor, which, on cooling, returns again to the solid state; as, to sublimate sulphur or camphor. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To refine and exalt; to heighten; to elevate. [1913 Webster]
  • The precepts of Christianity are . . . so apt to cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt. --Dr. H. More. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Psychology) To redirect the energy (of sexual or other biological drives) into a more socially acceptable or constructive form. [PJC]

Definition of 'Sublimate'

From: GCIDE
  • Sublimate \Sub"li*mate\, n. [LL. sublimatum.] (Chem.) A product obtained by sublimation; hence, also, a purified product so obtained. [1913 Webster]
  • Corrosive sublimate. (Chem.) mercuric chloride. See Corrosive sublimate under Corrosive. [1913 Webster]