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Inlay: meaning, definitions and examples

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inlay

 

[ หˆษชn.leษช ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

embed, insert, set

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น incrustaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‡เคจเคฒเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Einlage

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ inlay

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะฝะปะตะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ inlay

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚คใƒณใƒฌใ‚ค

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท incrustation

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ incrustaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท inlay

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ธ๋ ˆ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุทุนูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vloลพka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ inlay

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้•ถๅตŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ inlay

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ innsetning

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธะฝะปะตะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒœแƒšแƒ”แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ inlay

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ inlay

Etymology

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.