verb
    
    -cates; -cated; -cating
    
    [+ obj] formal :to base (something) on or upon something else - usually used as (be) predicated
    
    
    
    noun
    
    plural -cates
    
    [count] grammar :the part of a sentence that expresses what is said about the subject
    
    
    
    adjective
    
    always used before a noun
    
    grammar :used after a linking verb to describe a noun that comes before the verb