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

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

Related Words

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