imbricate
[ adjective im-bri-kit, -keyt; verb im-bri-keyt ]
/ adjective ˈɪm brɪ kɪt, -ˌkeɪt; verb ˈɪm brɪˌkeɪt /
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adjective
overlapping in sequence, as tiles or shingles on a roof.
of, relating to, or resembling overlapping tiles, as decoration or drawings.
Biology. overlapping like tiles, as scales or leaves.
characterized by or as if by overlapping shingles.
verb (used with or without object), im·bri·cat·ed, im·bri·cat·ing.
to overlap, as tiles or shingles.
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QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
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Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Origin of imbricate
OTHER WORDS FROM imbricate
Words nearby imbricate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for imbricate
British Dictionary definitions for imbricate
imbricate
adjective (ˈɪmbrɪkɪt, -ˌkeɪt) imbricated
architect relating to or having tiles, shingles, or slates that overlap
botany (of leaves, scales, etc) overlapping each other
verb (ˈɪmbrɪˌkeɪt)
(tr) to decorate with a repeating pattern resembling scales or overlapping tiles
Derived forms of imbricate
imbricately, adverbimbrication, nounWord Origin for imbricate
C17: from Latin imbricāre to cover with overlapping tiles, from imbrex pantile
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for imbricate
imbricate
[ ĭm′brĭ-kāt′ ]
adj.
Having the edges overlapping in a regular arrangement like roof tiles or the scales of a fish.
Other words from imbricate
im′bri•ca′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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