inlay

[v. in-ley, in-ley; n. in-ley] /v. ˈɪnˌleɪ, ˌɪnˈleɪ; n. ˈɪnˌleɪ/
verb (used with object), inlaid, inlaying.
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
4.
inlaid work.
5.
a layer of fine material inserted in something else, especially for ornament.
6.
a design or decoration made by inlaying.
7.
Dentistry. a filling of metal, porcelain, or the like, that is first shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into it.
8.
Horticulture, inlay graft.
9.
the act or process of inlaying.
Origin
1590-1600; in-1 + lay1
Related forms
inlayer, noun
Examples from the web for inlay
  • The area rug in this outdoor living room is actually brick inlay.
  • Aptly named, the palace features a white marble exterior and a multicolored marble inlay for the floor of the interior.
  • As each piece is handcrafted, exact colors and patterns of the inlay may vary.
  • They are best approached as freestanding shaped paintings made of stained wood inlay.
  • Remove any remaining paper inlay from the back of the cloth.
  • The inlay, a dancing skeleton holding a rose, covers a plate just below the bridge.
British Dictionary definitions for inlay

inlay

verb (transitive) (ɪnˈleɪ) -lays, -laying, -laid
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 (ˈɪnˌleɪ)
2.
(dentistry) a filling, made of gold, porcelain, etc, inserted into a cavity and held in position by cement
3.
decoration made by inlaying
4.
an inlaid article, surface, etc
Derived Forms
inlayer, noun
Word Origin and History for inlay

1590s (v.), 1650s (n.), from in + lay. Related: Inlaid.

inlay in Medicine

inlay in·lay (ĭn'lā', ĭn-lā')
n.

  1. A solid filling, as of gold or porcelain, fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.

  2. A graft of bone, skin, or other tissue.

  3. An orthomechanical device inserted into a shoe.

Encyclopedia Article for inlay

in the visual arts, any decorative technique used to create an ornamental design, pattern, or scene by inserting or setting into a shallow or depressed ground or surface a material of a different colour or type. Inlay techniques are used in enamelwork, furniture decoration, lacquerwork, and metalwork. Although not strictly inlay, marquetry and boulle work are often included techniques. Veneering is also closely allied.

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