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inosculate

[in-os-kyuh-leyt]
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verb (used with or without object), in·os·cu·lat·ed, in·os·cu·lat·ing.
  1. to unite by openings, as arteries in anastomosis.
  2. to connect or join so as to become or make continuous, as fibers; blend.
  3. to unite intimately.
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Origin of inosculate

First recorded in 1665–75; in-2 + osculate
Related formsin·os·cu·la·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for inosculate

Historical Examples

  • When the lamin, at least on one side, appear to inosculate or to be imbedded in each other.

    An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4)

    William Kirby

  • The line of separation of any two parts of a crust which are connected only by membrane or ligament, but do not inosculate.

  • When head, trunk, and abdomen are not separated by a deep incisure, but inosculate in each other.

British Dictionary definitions for inosculate

inosculate

verb
  1. physiol (of small blood vessels) to communicate by anastomosis
  2. to unite or be united so as to be continuous; blend
  3. to intertwine or cause to intertwine
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Derived Formsinosculation, noun

Word Origin

C17: from in- ² + Latin ōsculāre to equip with an opening, from ōsculum, diminutive of ōs mouth
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
inosculate in Medicine

inosculate

(ĭn-ŏs′kyə-lāt′)
v.
  1. To unite parts such as blood vessels, nerve fibers, or ducts by small openings.
  2. To unite so as to be continuous; blend.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.