inosculate

[ in-os-kyuh-leyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, in·os·cu·lat·ed, in·os·cu·lat·ing.

1. to unite by openings, as arteries in anastomosis.
2. to connect or join so as to become or make continuous, as fibers; blend.
3. to unite intimately.

inosculate

/ ɪnˈɒskjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. physiol (of small blood vessels) to communicate by anastomosis
2. to unite or be united so as to be continuous; blend
3. to intertwine or cause to intertwine

Derived Forms

• inˌoscuˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• in·oscu·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inosculate¹

First recorded in 1665–75; in- ² + osculate

Word History and Origins

Origin of inosculate¹

C17: from in- ² + Latin ōsculāre to equip with an opening, from ōsculum, diminutive of ōs mouth

Example Sentences

To inosculate; to intercommunicate by anastomosis, as the arteries and veins.

From Project Gutenberg

It is probable that this union took place when these bodies were in a soft state, and the vessels inosculated in their intricate ramifications with greater facility, until further development had consolidated the junction.

From Project Gutenberg

Their flashes are instantaneous, and they impress upon the hearts' tablets of their correspondents, with unmistakeable accuracy, the sentiments of the inosculated spirits.

From Project Gutenberg

I point so often to the feelings, the ideas, or the ceremonies of religion, because there never yet was profound grief nor profound philosophy which did not inosculate at many points with profound religion.

From Project Gutenberg

The capillaries inosculate, on the one hand, with the terminal extremity of the arteries, and on the other, with the commencement of the veins.

From Project Gutenberg