interlocutory

[ in-ter-lok-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ˌɪn tərˈlɒk yəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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adjective

of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation: interlocutory instruction.

interjected into the main course of speech.

Law.

pronounced during the course of an action, as a decision; not finally decisive of a case.
pertaining to an intermediate decision.

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Origin of interlocutory

From the Medieval Latin word interlocūtōrius, dating back to 1580–90. See interlocutor, -tory¹

OTHER WORDS FROM interlocutory

in·ter·loc·u·to·ri·ly, adverb

Words nearby interlocutory

interlock, interlocking directorate, interlocking directorates, interlocution, interlocutor, interlocutory, interlope, interloper, interlude, interlunar, interlunation

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

How to use interlocutory in a sentence

So there is an interlocutory question, and, as it seems, only experiment can solve it.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
An injunction obtained on interlocutory application during the progress of an action is superseded by the trial.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 5|Various
And two or three other interlocutory remarks like that, meaning nothing in particular.
The Whole Family|William Dean Howells, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Mary Heaton
The appeal is both on fact and on law, and applies to interlocutory or preparatory as well as to final judgments.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3|Various

The quorum for final appeals is three, for interlocutory appeals two judges.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for interlocutory

interlocutory

/ (ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

law pronounced during the course of proceedings; provisionalan interlocutory injunction

interposed, as into a conversation, narrative, etc

of, relating to, or characteristic of dialogue

Derived forms of interlocutory

interlocutorily, 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