intercalary

[ in-tur-kuh-ler-ee, in-ter-kal-uh-ree ]

/ ɪnˈtɜr kəˌlɛr i, ˌɪn tərˈkæl ə ri /

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adjective

inserted or interpolated in the calendar, as an extra day or month; intercalated.

having such an inserted day, month, etc., as a particular year.

inserted or introduced between other things or parts; interpolated; interposed.

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Origin of intercalary

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin intercalārius, equivalent to intercal(āre) “to intercalate ” + -ārius -ary

OTHER WORDS FROM intercalary

in·ter·ca·lar·i·ly, adverb

Words nearby intercalary

interblock gap, interborough, interbrain, interbreed, interbroker dealer, intercalary, intercalary meristem, intercalate, intercalation, intercardinal point, intercede

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

How to use intercalary in a sentence

Only the presence of intercalary cartilages (Fig. 2) suggests relationship of Allophryne to the Hylidae.
Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige|John D. Lynch
Large squarish lateral intercalary blotches of darker brown interconnect with the dorsal blotches.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michoacn, Mxico|William E. Duellman
For an exact statement of the intercalary months vide Cunninghams Indian Eras, p. 91.
The Bbur-nma in English|Babur, Emperor of Hindustan
Now in leap-year the 29th day of February is the additional or intercalary day.
Our Calendar|George Nichols Packer

These intercalary months were inserted after February 23d, and contained alternately 22 and 23 days.
Selections from Viri Romae|Charles Franois L'Homond

British Dictionary definitions for intercalary

intercalary

/ (ɪnˈtɜːkələrɪ) /

adjective

(of a day, month, etc) inserted in the calendar

(of a particular year) having one or more days inserted

inserted, introduced, or interpolated

botany growing between the upper branches and the lower branches or bracts on a stem

Derived forms of intercalary

intercalarily, adverb

Word Origin for intercalary

C17: from Latin intercalārius; see intercalate

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