intricacy

[in-tri-kuh-see]

noun

plural

intricacies 

1. intricate character or state.

2. an intricate part, action, etc.

   intricacies of the law.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricacy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; intric(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Working in concert, the two must untangle a crime of ingenious intricacy relying on their instincts, their logic, and a dogged pursuit of the facts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 1979, Cooper wrote Class: A View from Middle England: a cheerful examination of the intricacies of the system that both holds the country together, and simultaneously divides it.

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"He could talk to you for hours about goal kicks and you're not bored because the passion of how much he loves football and all the different intricacies comes through."

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Most of the time, however, attendees likely will have their heads down, studying the intricacies of trading cards and memorabilia of all stripes and types.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Its core software dates back to the early 1980s, and only a few programmers remain who understand the intricacies of its more than 60 million lines of code.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• complexity