# vellicate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈvɛlɪkeɪt/

## Definitions
1. To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements.
2. To twitch or move convulsively.
3. To tickle, provoking twitching and laughter.
4. To criticize in a somewhat irritating way; to carp at.

## Etymology
From Latin vellicatus, past participle of vellicare (“to twitch”). Cognate with Spanish pellizcar (“to pinch”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/vellicate