onlay

[ noun on-ley, awn-; verb on-ley, awn- ]

noun

1. an overlay, especially one in relief.
2. Dentistry. an inlay that restores the occlusal surface of a tooth.

verb (used with object)

, on·laid, on·lay·ing.

1. to place or mount (an onlay) on a surface, especially for decorative purposes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of onlay¹

1875–80; on + lay ¹, after verb phrase lay on

Example Sentences

Couched cord or filoselle is useful in covering the raw edge of the onlay, not so much masking the joints as making them sightly.

From Project Gutenberg

It disturbs the breadth, which is so valuable a characteristic of onlay.

From Project Gutenberg