imbricate
[adjective im-bri-kit, -keyt; verb im-bri-keyt]
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.
RELATED WORDS
envelop, enfold, swathe, fold, ride, cover, twist, turn, override, wrap, swaddle, shingle, overlie, flap, overlay, project, overhang, protrude, overrun
Origin of imbricate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for imbricate
Historical Examples of imbricate
The first and oldest of these varieties is generally called Scale or Imbricate armour.
Armour & WeaponsCharles John Ffoulkes
Calyx 5-parted, valvate in the staminate flowers, imbricate in the pistillate.
Head small: base of the wings covered with conspicuous, lengthened, imbricate scales.
Zoological Illustrations, Volume IIIWilliam Swainson
Scales on the back rounded, quincuncial, imbricate; those on the belly similar to those on the back and on the sides.
Reptiles and BirdsLouis Figuier
Head large, covered with small rather unequal not imbricate scales.
Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1.J Lort Stokes
imbricate
adjective (ˈɪmbrɪkɪt, -ˌkeɪt) imbricated
verb (ˈɪmbrɪˌkeɪt)
Word 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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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
imbricate
[ĭm′brĭ-kāt′]
adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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