invaginate

[ verb in-vaj-uh-neyt; adjective in-vaj-uh-nit, -neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·vag·i·nat·ed, in·vag·i·nat·ing.

1. to insert or receive, as into a sheath; sheathe.
2. to fold or draw (a tubular organ) back within itself; intussuscept.

verb (used without object)

, in·vag·i·nat·ed, in·vag·i·nat·ing.

1. to become invaginated; undergo invagination.
2. to form a pocket by turning in.

adjective

1. folded or turned back upon itself.
2. sheathed.

invaginate

verb

1. pathol to push one section of (a tubular organ or part) back into itself so that it becomes ensheathed; intussuscept
2. intr (of the outer layer of an organism or part) to undergo invagination

adjective

1. (of an organ or part) folded back upon itself

Derived Forms

• inˈvaginable, adjective

Other Words From

• unin·vagi·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of invaginate¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin invāgīnātus, past participle of invāgīnāre to sheathe. See in- ², vaginate

Word History and Origins

Origin of invaginate¹

C19: from Medieval Latin invāgīnāre, from Latin in- ² + vāgīna sheath