Meaning of the word inlay in English

What does inlay mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

inlay

US /ˈɪn.leɪ/

UK /ˈɪn.leɪ/

a piece of material, such as wood, metal, or ivory, embedded in the surface of another material, often for decoration

Example:

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The antique table had beautiful mother-of-pearl inlays.

•

He specializes in creating intricate wood inlays for furniture.

Synonym:

insert embedding mosaic marquetry

a dental filling or restoration that is custom-made to fit a cavity in a tooth and then bonded into place

Example:

•

The dentist recommended an inlay for her molar.

•

Unlike a direct filling, an inlay is fabricated in a lab.

to embed (a piece of material) in the surface of another material as decoration

Example:

•

The craftsman will inlay the intricate design with silver.

•

They plan to inlay the wooden floor with contrasting darker wood.

Synonym:

embed insert set implant

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