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

As the material takes in water, those regions swell differently, forming intricate patterns that only appear when the film is wet.

From Science Daily

The intricate patterns and iconic brick walls that once defined the kitchen have fallen into disrepair - plaster peeling from cracked walls and sections of the floor beginning to cave in.

From BBC

Her vocal stacks and counter-melodies are full of intricate detail; and her phrasing is exquisite, even on the jazz numbers where lesser pop singers would come unstuck.

From BBC

Someone might be enjoying a video of a dog playing with an unusual toy or a video of a chef making an intricate meal.

From Barron's

Conductor Robert Spano ably managed the intricate ensembles, the opera’s relentless drive, and an orchestra pit so small that some players had to perform amplified from a separate room.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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