laminate

American  

[lam-uh-neyt, lam-uh-neyt, -nit] / ˈlæm əˌneɪt, ˈlæm əˌneɪt, -nɪt /

verb (used with object)

laminated, laminating

1. to separate or split into thin layers.

2. to form (metal) into a thin plate, as by beating or rolling.

3. to construct from layers of material bonded together.

4. to cover or overlay with laminae.

---

verb (used without object)

laminated, laminating

1. to split into thin layers.

adjective

1. Also composed of or having laminae.

noun

1. a laminated product; lamination.

laminate British  

/ ˈlæmɪnəbəl /

verb

1. (tr) to make (material in sheet form) by bonding together two or more thin sheets

2. to split or be split into thin sheets

3. (tr) to beat, form, or press (material, esp metal) into thin sheets

4. (tr) to cover or overlay with a thin sheet of material

---

noun

1. a material made by bonding together two or more sheets

adjective

1. having or composed of lamina; laminated

Other Word Forms

• laminable
  adjective
• laminator
  noun
• multilaminate
  adjective
• nonlaminating
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of laminate

From the New Latin word lāminātus, dating back to 1660–70. See lamina, -ate ¹

Explanation

To laminate is to make something, especially paper, stronger and thicker by layering sheets of clear plastic over it. You might want to laminate your flimsy library card to protect it. Today all states laminate drivers' licenses, making them a sturdy plastic card rather than the insubstantial piece of paper they used to be. You might decide to laminate a poster for a school presentation you're giving, or laminate some old photos to protect them. Most methods used to laminate involve heat and some type of sticky or adhesive substance. The Latin root is lamina, "thin slice, leaf, or layer."

Example Sentences

Fully Jarvis Laminate Standing Desk $467 $549 15% off The most budget-friendly option from Fully uses a laminated fiber particleboard for its topper.

From The Verge • Jul. 13, 2022

Laminate is basically plastic with a wood pattern laser-printed onto it.

From Washington Post • Jan. 5, 2018

Laminate is out, as are outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces.

From Chicago Tribune • Feb. 28, 2014

Laminate: formed of thin, flat layers or leaves.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.