[v. in-ley, in-ley; n. in-ley] 
verb, -laid, -lay⋅ing, noun | 1. | to decorate (an object) with layers of fine materials set in its surface: to inlay a chest with lighter wood. |
| 2. | to insert or apply (layers of fine materials) in the surface of an object: to inlay marble in a tabletop. |
| 3. | Horticulture. to place (a fitted scion) into a prepared stock, as in a method of grafting. |
| 4. | inlaid work. |
| 5. | a layer of fine material inserted in something else, esp. for ornament. |
| 6. | a design or decoration made by inlaying. |
| 7. | Dentistry. a filling of metal, porcelain, or the like, that is first shaped to fit a cavity and then cemented into it. |
| 8. | Horticulture. inlay graft. |
| 9. | the act or process of inlaying. |
| a graft in which the scion is matched into a place in the stock from which a piece of corresponding bark has been removed. |
| in·lay (ĭn'lā', ĭn-lā') tr.v. in·laid (-lād'), in·lay·ing, in·lays
|
inlay in·lay (ĭn'lā', ĭn-lā')
n.
A solid filling, as of gold or porcelain, fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.
A graft of bone, skin, or other tissue.
An orthomechanical device inserted into a shoe.
inlay graft n.
A skin graft wrapped around a stent of dental compound and inserted into a prepared surgical pocket. Also called Esser graft.
inlay
in the visual arts, any decorative technique used to create an ornamental design, pattern, or scene by inserting or setting into a shallow or depressed ground or surface a material of a different colour or type. Inlay techniques are used in enamelwork, furniture decoration, lacquerwork, and metalwork. Although not strictly inlay, marquetry and boulle work are often included techniques. Veneering is also closely allied.
Learn more about inlay with a free trial on Britannica.com.
