interlinear

[ in-ter-lin-ee-er ]

/ ˌɪn tərˈlɪn i ər /

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adjective

situated or inserted between lines, as of the lines of print in a book: a Latin text with interlinear translation.

having interpolated lines; interlined.

having the same text in various languages set in alternate lines: the interlinear Bible.

noun

a book, especially a textbook, having interlinear matter, as a translation.

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Origin of interlinear

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word interlīneāris.See interline¹, -ar¹

OTHER WORDS FROM interlinear

in·ter·lin·e·ar·ly, adverb

Words nearby interlinear

interleukin 2, interleukin 3, interlibrary loan, interline, interlineal, interlinear, interlinear spacing, interlineate, interlingua, interlingual, interlining

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

How to use interlinear in a sentence

The story is quoted by Professor Harrison, and the literal interlinear version is inserted by him to give a clue to the meaning.
Nights With Uncle Remus|Joel Chandler Harris
Besides, the uninitiated may read it, thanks to an Italian interlinear translation.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
The publishers themselves say, "We give the Greek text with an interlinear translation as literal as may be to be useful."
Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 1 of 2)|B. H. Roberts
His most famous work, however, is the codex containing the Epistles of St. Paul, with a marginal and interlinear commentary.
Insula Sanctorum et Doctorum|John Healy

The interpretations written above the line are called “interlinear,” those written in the margins of the MSS.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for interlinear

interlinear

interlineal

/ (ˌɪntəˈlɪnɪə) /

adjective

written or printed between lines of text

written or printed with the text in different languages or versions on alternate lines

Derived forms of interlinear

interlinearly or interlineally, adverb

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