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

How to use inosculate in a sentence

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
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