Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Literate \Lit"er*ate\, a. [L. litteratus, literatus. See
   {Letter}.]
   Instructed in learning, science, or literature; learned;
   lettered.

         The literate now chose their emperor, as the military
         chose theirs.                            --Landor.

Literate \Lit"er*ate\, n.
   1. One educated, but not having taken a university degree;
      especially, such a person who is prepared to take holy
      orders. [Eng.]

   2. A literary man.

Source : WordNet®

literate
     adj 1: able to read and write [ant: {illiterate}]
     2: able to read and write
     n : a person who can read and write [syn: {literate person}]