inlay

[ verb in-ley, in-ley; noun in-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, in·laid, in·lay·ing.

1. to decorate (an object) with layers of fine materials set in its surface:

   to inlay a chest with lighter wood.

2. to insert or apply (layers of fine materials) in the surface of an object:

   to inlay marble in a tabletop.

3. Horticulture. to place (a fitted scion) into a prepared stock, as in a method of grafting.

noun

1. inlaid work.
2. a layer of fine material inserted in something else, especially for ornament.
3. a design or decoration made by inlaying.
4. Dentistry. a filling of metal, porcelain, or the like, that is first shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into it.
5. Horticulture. inlay graft.
6. the act or process of inlaying.

inlay

verb

1. to decorate (an article, esp of furniture, or a surface) by inserting pieces of wood, ivory, etc, into prepared slots in the surface

noun

1. dentistry a filling, made of gold, porcelain, etc, inserted into a cavity and held in position by cement
2. decoration made by inlaying
3. an inlaid article, surface, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈinˌlayer, noun

Other Words From

• inlayer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inlay¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; in- ¹ + lay ¹

Example Sentences

Korla theater had come into style in the nearby capital of Turfan, and the resulting income had brought other arts—Sogdian inlay, Chinese zither players, Kuchean dancers.

From Literature

Mostly, the team found pieces of broken pottery, but the excitement at camp was palpable when they unearthed a human skull with jade inlay in the teeth, she recalled.

From Seattle Times

The chrysanthemum leaves, the chartreuse of the teapot inlay and the antique bronze are different shades of green — but all come from malachite.

From Seattle Times

Richardson’s casket was scheduled to lie in state Wednesday in the rotunda of the New Mexico Statehouse astride a giant inlay of the New Mexico state seal and an ancient Zia Pueblo symbol of the sun.

From Washington Times

Richardson’s casket was scheduled to lie in state Wednesday in the rotunda of the New Mexico Statehouse astride a giant inlay of the New Mexico state seal and an ancient Zia Pueblo symbol of the sun.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• decorate