intricate

American  

[in-tri-kit] / ˈɪn trɪ kɪt /

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.

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intricate British  

/ ˈɪntrɪkɪt /

adjective

1. difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling

2. entangled or involved

   intricate patterns

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of intricate

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

Example Sentences

That style is dense, intricate and sometimes impenetrable, and Ms. Serpell means to celebrate its difficulties while guiding us through them.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a team of technicians and craftspeople, Deverell constructed breathtaking sets, including Victor’s laboratory with giant batteries that required intricate steam and lighting mechanisms.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are always plenty of things around you to show how intricate your senses are, if you only pause for a moment to take it all in.

From Science Daily

Known for intricate guitar lines and rich horn arrangements, he played with leading bands including the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band.

From Barron's

Instead, they remain active as the fiber forms, helping to build the intricate nanostructure that gives spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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