intricate

[in-tri-kit]

adjective

1. having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved.

   an intricate maze.

   Synonyms: labyrinthine, tangled, knotty

2. complex; complicated; hard to understand, work, or make.

   an intricate machine.

intricate

/ ˈɪntrɪkɪt /

adjective

1. difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling

2. entangled or involved

   intricate patterns

Other Word Forms

• intricately adverb
• intricateness noun
• unintricate adjective
• unintricately adverb
• unintricateness noun
• intricacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin intrīcātus “entangled,” past participle of intrīcāre “to entangle,” from in- in- ² + trīc(ae) “perplexities” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

C15: from Latin intrīcāre to entangle, perplex, from _in- ² + trīcae trifles, perplexities

Example Sentences

Ice XXI shows an unusually large and intricate unit cell compared to other known phases.

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The intricate structure of the proton spectrum suggests that PeV cosmic rays are largely produced by "new sources" such as micro-quasars, which can accelerate particles to significantly higher energies than supernova remnants.

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I appreciate all of the planning and intricate details.

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The reader’s patience pays off, however: Soon the plot becomes more intricate and the intrigues become truly threatening.

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Vestments made of intricate floral brocade in 1741, given by Louis XV, enrich the walls.

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Related Words

• baroque 
• complex 
• convoluted 
• difficult 
• labyrinthine 
• sophisticated 
• tangled 
• tortuous 
• tricky