inosculate

[ in-os-kyuh-leyt ]

/ ɪnˈɒs kyəˌleɪt /

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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.

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Origin of inosculate

First recorded in 1665–75; in-² + osculate

OTHER WORDS FROM inosculate

in·os·cu·la·tion, noun

Words nearby inosculate

inorg., inorganic, inorganic chemistry, inorganic molecules, inorganization, inosculate, inosilicate, inositol, in other words, inotropic, in over one's head

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inosculate in a sentence

These schools inosculate in respect of some of their arguments, and of their objections against ordinary modes of thought.
The Philosophy of Natural Theology|William Jackson
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

/ (ɪnˈɒskjʊˌleɪt) /

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 forms of inosculate

inosculation, 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