from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Insulate \In"su*late\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Insulated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Insulating}.] [L. insulatus insulated, fr. insula
island. See {Isle}, and cf. {Isolate}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To make an island of. [Obs.] --Pennant.
[1913 Webster]
2. To place in a detached situation, or in a state having no
communication with surrounding objects; to isolate; to
separate.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Elec. & Thermotics) To prevent the transfer of
electricity or heat to or from (bodies) by the
interposition of nonconductors.
[1913 Webster]
{Insulating stool} (Elec.), a stool with legs of glass or
some other nonconductor of electricity, used for
insulating a person or any object placed upon it.
[1913 Webster]