View source for Esculate (error)

Although there is a word '''esculent''', the commonly used [[verb]] '''esc<big>a</big>late''' (meaning 'to step up', 'to become more so') and a related [[noun]] '''esc<big>a</big>lation''' should NEVER be pronounced <s>esculate</s> ({{IPA|<s>'ɛs kjʊ ,leɪt</s>}}).  The pronunciation preferred in academic English is <nowiki>'</nowiki>'''ESK-er-late'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>, {{IPA|'ɛs kə ,leɪt}}. 

*'''Escalate''', which derives ultimately from the [[Latin]] ''scala'', 'stair', means most commonly in academic British English 'to increase step by step', or "To increase or develop by successive stages" (''[[OED]]'').

**'''Esculent''' means 'edible', or 'suitable for food'. The '-ulent' element is derived from the [[Latin]] "''-ulentus'' employed to form [[adjective]]s, usually with the force of 'abounding in', 'full of' (some thing or quality)" (''[[OED]]'').

[[category:pronunciation]]
[[category:etymology]]