inlay

[ verb in-ley, in-ley; noun in-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, in·laid, in·lay·ing.

1. to decorate (an object) with layers of fine materials set in its surface:

   to inlay a chest with lighter wood.

2. to insert or apply (layers of fine materials) in the surface of an object:

   to inlay marble in a tabletop.

3. Horticulture. to place (a fitted scion) into a prepared stock, as in a method of grafting.

noun

1. inlaid work.
2. a layer of fine material inserted in something else, especially for ornament.
3. a design or decoration made by inlaying.
4. Dentistry. a filling of metal, porcelain, or the like, that is first shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into it.
5. Horticulture. inlay graft.
6. the act or process of inlaying.

inlay

verb

1. to decorate (an article, esp of furniture, or a surface) by inserting pieces of wood, ivory, etc, into prepared slots in the surface

noun

1. dentistry a filling, made of gold, porcelain, etc, inserted into a cavity and held in position by cement
2. decoration made by inlaying
3. an inlaid article, surface, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈinˌlayer, noun

Other Words From

• inlayer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inlay¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; in- ¹ + lay ¹

Example Sentences

Burrs, overhangs, and cracks will make it hard to fit into your inlay hole later.

From Popular-Science

These invaluable tools create super-accurate cut lines, and provide a grove for your chisels to rest in when you hog out the inlay wood later.

From Popular-Science

Not only were the Britons expert in ordinary metal-work but they are believed to have invented the art of enamelled-inlay.

From Project Gutenberg

With illustrations and inlay cover picture by Harrison Fisher.

From Project Gutenberg

This is actually done with the working drawing by the inlay cutter.

From Project Gutenberg

Wheel-lock of blued steel, with gold and silver inlay, and wheel-guard of tracery in thin gold.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole of the front lacks repose, a condition which is intensified by the black and white inlay of the flat surfaces.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decorate