Word Study
crepitate
CIDE DICTIONARY
crepitate, v. i. [L. crepitatus, p. p. of crepitare to crackle, v. intensive of crepare to crack. Cf. Crevice.].
To make a series of small, sharp, rapidly repeated explosions or sounds, as salt in fire; to crackle; to snap. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
crepitate, v.intr.
1 make a crackling sound.
2 Zool. (of a beetle) eject pungent fluid with a sharp report.
1 make a crackling sound.
2 Zool. (of a beetle) eject pungent fluid with a sharp report.
Derivative
crepitant adj.
Etymology
L crepitare frequent. of crepare creak
ROGET THESAURUS
crepitate
Snap
VB rap, snap, tap, knock, ping, click, clash, crack, crackle, crash, pop, slam, bang, blast, boom, clap, clang, clack, whack, wham, brustle, burst on the ear, crepitate, rump, blow up, blow, detonate.For further exploring for "crepitate" in Webster Dictionary Online