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Dictionary definition of copulate

To engage in sexual intercourse between two animals or, more commonly, between two human beings.
"Many animals copulate only during certain times of the year."

Detailed meaning of copulate

It is a formal or scientific term used to describe the biological process of mating, where reproductive organs of the involved individuals come into contact to facilitate the transfer of genetic material for the purpose of procreation. The term is often used in the context of animals or in scientific discussions related to reproduction and mating behaviors. While "copulate" is a precise and clinical term, it is less commonly used in everyday conversation, where more colloquial expressions like "have sex" or "mate" are typically employed to describe the same act.

Example sentences of copulate

1. Birds often copulate in the spring.
2. When lions copulate, it can be several times an hour.
3. Snails copulate in a unique way, as both individuals are hermaphrodites.
4. It is important for pandas in captivity to copulate to ensure the species’ survival.
5. The zookeepers observed the endangered rhinos copulate for the first time.
6. The male seahorse carries the eggs after the seahorses copulate.

History and etymology of copulate

The verb 'copulate' has its origins in Latin, deriving from the word 'copulatus,' which is the past participle of 'copulare.' In Latin, 'copulare' means 'to join' or 'to link together,' and it's related to the noun 'copula,' which means 'a joining' or 'a connection.' This etymology highlights the fundamental concept of joining or connecting, and when applied to the context of human or animal sexuality, it signifies the act of coming together in sexual union. 'Copulate' is a term used to describe the specific action of engaging in sexual intercourse between two animals or, more commonly, between two human beings. Thus, its etymology underscores the idea of joining or linking together in a sexual context.

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Further usage examples of copulate

1. Frogs typically copulate in water, where the female can lay her eggs.
2. Some spiders offer gifts to females to copulate.
3. The rabbits will copulate frequently to ensure a large litter.
4. Farmers ensure that cows and bulls copulate to sustain their livestock numbers.
5. Did you know that earthworms copulate by exchanging sperm?
6. In springtime, one can observe various bird species copulate.
7. The researchers filmed the two insects to study how they copulate.
8. Certain reptiles copulate by aligning their cloacal openings.
9. It’s important for animals in conservation programs to copulate to increase their population.
10. The queen bee will copulate with multiple drones before she starts laying eggs.
11. The two dragonflies copulate while in flight.
12. Fish in aquariums often copulate if the conditions are right.
13. The animal behaviorist is studying how different species of primates copulate.
14. It’s common for certain species of snakes to copulate in large groups.