interlace

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

verb (used without object)

, in·ter·laced, in·ter·lac·ing.

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

   Their hands interlaced.

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·laced, in·ter·lac·ing.

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

/ ˌɪntəˈleɪsɪdlɪ; ˌɪntəˈleɪs /

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. trusually foll bywith to change the pattern of; diversify; intersperse

   to interlace a speech with humour

Derived Forms

• interlacedly, adverb
• ˌinterˈlacement, noun

Other Words From

• in·ter·lac·ed·ly [in-ter-, ley, -sid-lee], adverb
• inter·lacement noun
• unin·ter·laced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlace¹

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

Example Sentences

Instead, the book probes his changing relationship with running over his lifespan, interlaced once again with plenty of comparative biology.

From Outside Online

"Put your arms on your lap and interlace your fingers," she says.

From The Daily Beast

Both these aspects interlace in one Life-process; the unity is present in the manifold, and the ultimate present in the intimate.

From Project Gutenberg

The manner in which the warp and filling threads interlace with each other is known as the weave.

From Project Gutenberg

Notice that the warp and filling interlace in such a way that there is no trace of the diagonal on the face of the cloth.

From Project Gutenberg

The sermon should be constructed to fit the man; argument and emotion should not stand apart, but dovetail and interlace.

From Project Gutenberg

If we interlace merriness with earnest matters, pardon us, good reader.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• interweave