invaginate

American  

[in-vaj-uh-neyt, in-vaj-uh-nit, -neyt] / ɪnˈvædʒ əˌneɪt, ɪnˈvædʒ ə nɪt, -ˌneɪt /

verb (used with object)

invaginated, invaginating

1. to insert or receive, as into a sheath; sheathe.

2. to fold or draw (a tubular organ) back within itself; intussuscept.

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verb (used without object)

invaginated, invaginating

1. to become invaginated; undergo invagination.

2. to form a pocket by turning in.

adjective

1. folded or turned back upon itself.

2. sheathed.

invaginate British  

verb

1. pathol to push one section of (a tubular organ or part) back into itself so that it becomes ensheathed; intussuscept

2. (intr) (of the outer layer of an organism or part) to undergo invagination

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adjective

1. (of an organ or part) folded back upon itself

Other Word Forms

• invaginable
  adjective
• uninvaginated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of invaginate

1650–60; < Medieval Latin invāgīnātus, past participle of invāgīnāre to sheathe. See in- ², vaginate

Example Sentences

Invaginate: when a tubular or vesicular part is turned inward or retracted within the body wall.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.