inosculate

[in-os-kyuh-leyt]

verb (used with or without object), in·os·cu·lat·ed, in·os·cu·lat·ing.

to unite by openings, as arteries in anastomosis.

to connect or join so as to become or make continuous, as fibers; blend.

to unite intimately.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for inosculate

Historical Examples of inosculate

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.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4)
William Kirby
When head, trunk, and abdomen are not separated by a deep incisure, but inosculate in each other.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4)
William Kirby

British Dictionary definitions for inosculate

inosculate

verb

physiol (of small blood vessels) to communicate by anastomosis

to unite or be united so as to be continuous; blend

to intertwine or cause to intertwine

Derived Formsinosculation, noun

Word Origin for inosculate

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

Medicine definitions for inosculate

inosculate

[ĭn-ŏs′kyə-lāt′]

v.

To unite parts such as blood vessels, nerve fibers, or ducts by small openings.

To unite so as to be continuous; blend.