ingrain

Also en·grain

[in-greyn, in-greyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to implant or fix deeply and firmly, as in the nature or mind.

   Synonyms: imbue, inculcate, infuse

adjective

1. ingrained; firmly fixed.

2. (of fiber or yarn) dyed in a raw state, before being woven or knitted.

3. made of fiber or yarn so dyed.

   ingrain fabric.

4. (of carpets) made of ingrain yarn and so woven as to show a different pattern on each side; reversible.

noun

1. yarn, wool, etc., dyed before manufacture.

2. an ingrain carpet.

ingrain

verb

1. to impress deeply on the mind or nature; instil

2. archaic,  to dye into the fibre of (a fabric)

adjective

1. variants of ingrained

2. (of woven or knitted articles, esp rugs and carpets) made of dyed yarn or of fibre that is dyed before being spun into yarn

noun

1. 1. a carpet made from ingrained yarn

   2. such yarn

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingrain¹

First recorded in 1760–70; originally phrase (dyed) in grain (i.e., with kermes)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ingrain¹

C18: from the phrase dyed in grain dyed with kermes through the fibre

Example Sentences

The stakes are high because in the 15 years since its passage, the ACA, often nicknamed Obamacare, has become ingrained in the American healthcare system.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The jams are mostly rock oldies, Lennon’s deeply ingrained repertory from the early Beatles days, and they offer a fly-on-the-wall glimpse of the more relaxed, private side of his music making.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Gibson is so ingrained in his created community that he has an office in the middle of the building and shows up nearly every day to coach a most unlikely looking squad.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Redford the actor was equally exceptional, a charismatic icon who starred in some of the greatest films in the 1970s and ’80s, movies that remain ingrained in our collective memory.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"These services became deeply ingrained not only in people's daily lives but also in business processes."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• instill