immaculate

From Middle English immaculat, from Latin immaculātus; prefix im- (“not”) + maculātus, perfect passive participle of maculō (“I spot, stain”), from macula (“spot”). See mail (armor).

Displaced native unwemmed (“pure, untainted”).

• IPA^(key): /ɪˈmækjəlɪt/

• Audio (RP)

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immaculate (comparative more immaculate, superlative most immaculate)

1. absolutely tidy, having no blemish or stain.

   Synonyms: tidy, clean, spotless, stainless, unsullied, undefiled

   • 1595 December 9 (first known performance), William Shakespeare, “The life and death of King Richard the Second”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii]:

     Thou sheer, immaculate and silver fountain

2. (zoology) (botany) Lacking blotches, spots, or other markings.

   Synonyms: unspotted, spotless, self-coloured

3. (figurative) containing no mistakes.

   Synonyms: perfect, flawless

4. (figurative) morally pure, free from sin.

   Synonym: irreproachable

   • 1642, [John Denham], The Sophy. […], 2nd edition, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for H[enry] Herringman, […], published 1667, →OCLC, Act V, page 86:

     Were but my ſoul as pure / From other guilts as that, Heaven did not hold / One more immaculate.

immaculāte

1. vocative masculine singular of immaculātus