Definition of efface

The word "efface" derives from the Latin "effacere," meaning "to wipe out" or "to cause to disappear." The origin of the Latin word can be traced back to the preverb "ex-" meaning "out" and the verb "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do." When combined, "ex-" and "facere" create a new word, "effacere," which conveys the idea of removing or erasing something. This root word has been preserved in many modern languages, including English, French, and Italian, where it is used with similar meanings. In English, the word "efface" is usually used in transitive contexts, denoting the act of wiping out or obliterating something. However, in more recent use, it has also come to be used intransitively to indicate the act of fading away or disappearing. The popularity of the word "efface" has risen in modern literature, particularly in medical contexts where it is used to describe the loss of tissue during pregnancy. In this context, the word has taken on a more specialized use, indicating a natural process by which cells or tissues are eliminated. Overall, the root word "effacere" is a testament to the ancient Latin language's lasting impact on the English vocabulary and the ways in which it continues to shape modern usage.