Copulating

/ˈkɒpjəleɪtɪŋ/ verb (present participle)

Definition

Engaging in sexual intercourse or reproduction between two organisms.

Etymology

From Latin 'copulatus,' past participle of 'copulare' meaning 'to couple or join together.' The root 'copula' means 'a bond or tie,' reflecting the joining of two entities.

Kelly Says

The word 'copulate' shares its Latin root with 'copula,' a term in formal logic for the verb 'to be'—so grammatically, 'is' is a copula that joins a subject to its description, just as copulation joins two organisms.

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