inlay

views updated May 17 2018

in·lay • v. / ˌinˈlā/ (past and past part. -laid) [tr.] (usu. be inlaid) ornament (an object) by embedding pieces of a different material in it, flush with its surface: mahogany paneling inlaid with rosewood. ∎  embed (something) in an object in this way: a small silver crown was inlaid in the wood. ∎  insert (a page, an illustration, etc.) in a space cut in a larger thicker page.• n. / ˈinˌlā/ 1. a design, pattern, or piece of material inlaid in something: ivory inlays that decorated wooden furnishings. ∎  a material or substance that is inlaid. ∎  inlaid work: the cathedral was decorated with mosaic and inlay. ∎  the technique of inlaying material.2. a filling shaped to fit a tooth cavity.3. chiefly Brit. a printed card or paper insert supplied with a CD, video, etc.: [as adj.] an inlay card. DERIVATIVES: in·lay·er n.

inlay

views updated May 21 2018

inlay (in-lay) n. a substance or piece of tissue inserted within a tissue, generally to replace a defect.