elucidate

elu·ci·date (ə lo̵̅o̅′sə dāt′, i-)

transitive verb, intransitive verb -·dat′ed, -·dat′·ing

to make clear (esp. something abstruse); explain

Etymology: < LL elucidatus, pp. of elucidare, to make light or clear < L e-, out + lucidus: see lucid

elu′·ci·da′·tion noun elu′·ci·da′·tive adjective elu′·ci·da′·tor noun

Object

mechanism: The results would help to elucidate the mechanism of adrenal corticosteroid action from the nucleus to the plasma membrane.
pathway: These cells should serve as a valuable tool to elucidate signal transduction pathways underlying renal angiomyolipomas.
mystery: The team could ask the presenter 20 questions to elucidate the mystery.
nature: Saussure was able to elucidate the social nature of language by way of defining the true object of linguistics.
meaning: Ask them to work in pairs with dictionaries and elucidate the meaning of any unknown words.
role: The Center's major focus is to elucidate the role of the gut in the pathogenesis of multisystem organ failure.

Noun phrase with adjective complement

responsible: We are currently elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for the adjuvant and immune biasing activity of reactive carbonyls and methods for their elimination.
inherent: ISEC staff will present a slide show elucidating the problems inherent in the global food system and the benefits of rebuilding local food links.

Modifying Another Word

fully: The details of this repression have not been fully elucidated.
clearly: Therefore, there is still considerable work to do to elucidate clearly the key functions of pVHL that are critical for tumor suppression.
also: You must also elucidate your plan for reaching your distribution channels.
not: He did not elucidate what was meant by a significant submission.
well: Sudden death in heart failure is common, but its causes are not well elucidated.
completely: Remarkably neither route for SA biosynthesis is completely elucidated.

Followed by an intransitive particle

upon: The user interface is elucidated upon in section 3.

Used with why or when

which: Clearly further research is needed to elucidate which isoform of the transporter is present in mammalian choroid plexus.
what: He did not elucidate what was meant by a significant submission.
why: A second or two more of considered thought should elucidate why, on the other hand, respect does imply tolerance.
when: Can you please elucidate when the switch was made in the project, and why I was not informed?

Preposition: in

detail: Tsong kha pa elucidates in detail the way to go for refuge.

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