intricacy

American  

[in-tri-kuh-see] / ˈɪn trɪ kə si /

noun

plural

intricacies

1. intricate character or state.

2. an intricate part, action, etc.

   intricacies of the law.

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Etymology

Origin of intricacy

First recorded in 1595–1605; intric(ate) + -acy

Explanation

The noun intricacy means a quality of being complex or elaborately detailed. You could compliment the intricacy of your friend's complicated hairdo. A delicate piece of jewelry, twisted with decorative strands of silver, can be admired for its intricacy, and an overly complex piece of legislation might be criticized for its intricacy. You could also talk about the intricacy of the universe, or the intricacy of the human body. Intricacy comes from the Latin root word intricatus, which means "entangled."

Example Sentences

A second grand Intricacy and difficulty, still more enigmatic, and pressing the tighter by its close neighborhood, was that with the Saxons.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 15 by Carlyle, Thomas

Intricacy full of delicate surprise; covered way in secrecy of accurate purposes, not a stone useless, nor a word nor an incident thrown away.

From On the Old Road, Vol. 2 (of 2) A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and Literature by Ruskin, John

The Bavarian Intricacy, which once excelled human power, is settled, then.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 15 by Carlyle, Thomas

Intricacy and minuteness of detail might be a trifling disqualification did they lead to something immediately practical.

From A Logic Of Facts Or, Every-day Reasoning by Holyoake, George Jacob

Here are potentialities and counter-potentialities, which make the Bavarian Intricacy very agitating to the young King, while it lasts.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 15 by Carlyle, Thomas

Related Words

• complexity