Merriam-Webster definition of "literate

Pronunciation:

\ˈli-tə-rət also ˈli-trət\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English literat, from Latin litteratus marked with letters, literate, from litterae letters, literature, from plural of littera

Date:

15th century

1 a: educated , cultured b: able to read and write
2 a: versed in literature or creative writing : literary b: lucid , polished literate essay> c: having knowledge or competence literate> literate>

— lit·er·ate·ly adverb

— lit·er·ate·ness noun

Source:
literate (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literate