Pronunciation: [mˈakjʊlət] (IPA) 
The word "maculate" is spelled with a "c" after the "m" instead of a "k" due to its Latin origin. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈmækjʊlət/. The "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound followed by a "y" or "j" sound (known as a palatal consonant), which is indicated by the diacritic symbol above the "c." The stress is on the second syllable, indicated by the apostrophe-like symbol before the "j" sound.
Maculate is an adjective that describes something that is marked or stained with spots, blemishes, or impurities. The term is derived from the Latin word "maculatus," meaning "spotted" or "stained." When used to describe a physical object or surface, maculate suggests the presence of visible or noticeable marks or discolorations that detract from its overall appearance. For example, a maculate carpet may have various spots or marks that make it look dirty or unclean.
In a broader sense, maculate can also be used metaphorically to describe moral, ethical, or spiritual impurity. It implies the presence of flaws, defects, or things that detract from the purity or perfection of a person or their character. For instance, someone's reputation may become maculate if they are associated with scandalous or dishonorable actions.
Additionally, maculate can also be used as a transitive verb, meaning to mark or stain something, resulting in impurity or disfigurement. In this sense, it implies the action of causing something to become marked or stained, either through physical contact or metaphorical association.
To summarize, maculate refers to something that is marked or stained with spots or blemishes, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. It conveys the idea of impurity, imperfection, or disfigurement and can be used to describe objects, surfaces, reputations, or character traits.
Marked by macules, spotted.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• To stain; to spot; to sully or defile.
• In bot., spotted; blotched.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word maculate comes from the Latin word maculatus, which is the past participle of maculare. Maculare means to spot or to stain.
