From Latin copulare, meaning to join, couple, or bind together, from copula, a link or tie. The joining sense entered English first, and the sexual sense is recorded from the seventeenth century.
From Latin copulare, meaning to join, couple, or bind together, from copula, a link or tie. The joining sense entered English first, and the sexual sense is recorded from the seventeenth century.
What does copulate mean?
Copulate usually means to have sexual intercourse or to mate, especially in formal, medical, or zoological writing.
Is copulate formal?
Yes. Copulate is formal and often technical, while ordinary speech usually uses plainer words such as have sex or mate.
Can copulate be used for animals?
Yes. Copulate is common in scientific writing about animals and their mating behavior.
Does copulate mean join together?
It can mean join or link together in older English, but that sense is archaic and can be misunderstood today.
What does copulate mean for gametes?
In technical medical use, gametes can copulate when they fuse permanently during fertilization.
What is the past tense of copulate?
The regular past tense and past participle are copulated.
What are synonyms for copulate?
In the main sense, synonyms include mate, have sex, breed, pair, couple, and make love.