Inlay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ ๏ธ
inlay
[ หษชn.leษช ]
crafting material
An inlay is a decorative feature made by inserting materials into a substrate, usually made of wood, metal, or ceramics. This technique is commonly used in furniture and artistic objects to enhance their aesthetic appeal. The inserted material can be contrasting wood, mother-of-pearl, stone, or even metals. Inlays can range from simple designs to intricate patterns, adding both value and beauty to the item.
Synonyms
decoration, insertion, overlay
Examples of usage
- The table featured a beautiful inlay of oak and mahogany.
- Her jewelry box had a stunning mother-of-pearl inlay.
- The artist used inlays to create a striking contrast in his sculpture.
to embed material
To inlay is the act of setting a material into a substrate, often for decorative purposes. This process can involve cutting out a portion of the substrate and fitting the new material into that space. Inlaying can be used in various applications, including woodworking, metalworking, and even in textiles. It's a fine craft that requires precision and skill to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He plans to inlay the wooden panel with brass designs.
- The craftsman inlaid turquoise into the silver pendant.
- She decided to inlay the floor tiles with colored glass.
Translations
Translations of the word "inlay" in other languages:
๐ต๐น incrustaรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคจเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Einlage
๐ฎ๐ฉ inlay
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฝะปะตะน
๐ต๐ฑ inlay
๐ฏ๐ต ใคใณใฌใค
๐ซ๐ท incrustation
๐ช๐ธ incrustaciรณn
๐น๐ท inlay
๐ฐ๐ท ์ธ๋ ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุทุนูู
๐จ๐ฟ vloลพka
๐ธ๐ฐ inlay
๐จ๐ณ ้ถๅต
๐ธ๐ฎ inlay
๐ฎ๐ธ innsetning
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะธะฝะปะตะน
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ inlay
๐ฒ๐ฝ inlay
Word origin
The term 'inlay' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the word 'inlayen,' meaning to lay in or insert. This, in turn, comes from the Old English term 'inleah,' where 'in' indicates a position inside and 'lay' pertains to placing or setting something down. The crafting technique of inlaying dates back to ancient civilizations, where artisans would embed precious materials into items for both functionality and decoration. Traditionally, this artistry was seen in ancient Egyptian furniture and decorative artifacts, where intricate designs were created using ivory, glass, and colorful stones. Over the centuries, the practice of inlaying has evolved and spread across cultures, becoming a respected skill in woodworking, metalwork, and ceramic arts. Today, inlay techniques continue to be popular among craftspeople and artists, preserving the historical significance while incorporating modern designs and materials.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,658, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 23655 archer
- 23656 prowling
- 23657 interfacing
- 23658 inlay
- 23659 noiselessly
- 23660 literati
- 23661 gran
- ...