Meanings
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1
verb
to supply or expose something to air or oxygen
The lungs aerate the blood before it returns to the heart.
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2
verb
to introduce bubbles of gas into a liquid or mixture
The whisk aerates the batter and makes the finished cake lighter.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from Latin aer, 'air,' + -ate, probably influenced by French aerer, 'to air.' Its senses all involve admitting air or another gas into tissue, soil, liquid, or a mixture.