What does INLAY mean?

Parts of Speech:

Noun, verb

Definitions:

• Noun: A decorative technique in which pieces of wood, metal, or other material are set into the surface of another material to form a design.
• Verb: To set pieces of material into the surface of another material to form a design.

Pronunciations:

• US: /ˈɪnˌleɪ/
• UK: /ˈɪnleɪ/

Origin and Usage:

The word "inlay" originated in the mid-17th century, from the verb "inlay" which means to lay (something) in the recesses of a surface, flush with it. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word "inleggen", which means to lay in or put in. The noun form of "inlay" refers to the decorative technique of setting pieces of wood, metal, or other material into the surface of another material to form a design. The verb form of "inlay" refers to the act of setting such pieces into the surface of another material.

Synonyms:

• Decorative inlay
• Ornamentation
• Decoration
• Embellishment

Related Words:

• Enlay
• Layin
• Liane
• Alien
• Elain

Example Sentences:

• The table was decorated with a beautiful inlay of mother-of-pearl.
• She decided to inlay the design with gold leaf.