intricate

[in-tri-kit]

adjective

1. having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved.

   an intricate maze.

   Synonyms: labyrinthine, tangled, knotty

2. complex; complicated; hard to understand, work, or make.

   an intricate machine.

intricate

/ ˈɪntrɪkɪt /

adjective

1. difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling

2. entangled or involved

   intricate patterns

Other Word Forms

• intricately adverb
• intricateness noun
• unintricate adjective
• unintricately adverb
• unintricateness noun
• intricacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin intrīcātus “entangled,” past participle of intrīcāre “to entangle,” from in- in- ² + trīc(ae) “perplexities” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

C15: from Latin intrīcāre to entangle, perplex, from _in- ² + trīcae trifles, perplexities

Example Sentences

The Pasadena Museum of History, for instance, will host events with Cha-Rie Tang, founder of Pasadena Craftsman Tile — who makes intricate tiles inspired by the work of Southern California Arts and Crafts legend Ernest Batchelder.

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The skill of these stylists, whose fingers ache from their intricate labor, has made it possible for them to make more prosperous lives for themselves in their adopted country.

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But it also requires intricate coordination of every aspect of the supply chain, and if the computers break down, the disruption can be dramatic.

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Both Arsenal and City have been sides that have dominated the ball, playing in an intricate fashion.

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At a weekly ballet class in Wokingham, dancers glide elegantly through an intricate series of poses, making it look easy despite ranging in age from 50 to over 80.

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Related Words

• baroque 
• complex 
• convoluted 
• difficult 
• labyrinthine 
• sophisticated 
• tangled 
• tortuous 
• tricky