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definitions

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.

Origin of onlay

1875–80; on + lay1, after verb phrase lay on
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for onlay

Historical Examples of onlay

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

    Art in Needlework

    Lewis F. Day

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

    Art in Needlework

    Lewis F. Day

onlay in Medicine

onlay

[ŏn′lā′]
n.
  1. A cast restoration, usually made of gold, that is attached to the occlusal surface of a tooth.
  2. A bone graft applied to the exterior surface of the bone.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.