interlace

[in-ter-leys, in-ter-leys]

verb (used without object)

interlaced, interlacing 

1. to cross one another, typically passing alternately over and under, as if woven together; intertwine.

   Their hands interlaced.

verb (used with object)

interlaced, interlacing 

1. to unite or arrange (threads, strips, parts, branches, etc.) so as to intercross one another, passing alternately over and under; intertwine.

2. to mingle; blend.

3. to diversify, as with threads woven in.

4. to intersperse; intermingle.

   She interlaced her lecture on Schubert with some of his songs.

interlace

/ ˌɪntəˈleɪs, ˌɪntəˈleɪsɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to join together (patterns, fingers, etc) by crossing, as if woven; intertwine

2. (tr) to mingle or blend in an intricate way

3. to change the pattern of; diversify; intersperse

   to interlace a speech with humour

Other Word Forms

• interlacedly adverb
• interlacement noun
• uninterlaced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlace¹

1325–75; inter- + lace; replacing Middle English entrelacen < Middle French en-trelacer

Example Sentences

The throne is interlaced with thin, transparent tubes that thread through it like veins.

Read more on Literature

Gathering bits and pieces as rendered in English, the songs are remarkably conversational and down to earth, with humor and fragments of pop culture interlaced with poetic musings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hence, his first solo offering, “McCartney,” was mostly tentative, half-baked notions for songs, interlaced with a few fully realized compositions like “Maybe I’m Amazed,” all recorded by McCartney in his home studio.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s a whole lot more going on than a hearty appreciation of sheep, interlaced, rolling hills and Iron Age forts.

Read more on Salon

Participants, now paired up, gripped hands with their partners, fingers interlaced, gazing into one another’s eyes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interweave