Definition

1. Noun:

   • A decorative technique or the resulting decoration: An inlay is a decorative pattern or design created by embedding pieces of material (such as wood, stone, or metal) into a recessed area on a surface, forming a flush, smooth finish.
   • A dental filling: In dentistry, an inlay is a solid, custom-made restoration (often of gold, porcelain, or composite) that is cemented into a prepared cavity within a tooth.

2. Verb (past tense and past participle: inlaid):

   • To decorate by embedding: To inlay means to set pieces of decorative material into a surface to create a pattern or design.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The tabletop features an intricate mother-of-pearl inlay.
  • The dentist recommended a porcelain inlay for the damaged molar.

• Verb:

  • The artisan will inlay ebony wood into the mahogany cabinet door.
  • The antique box was beautifully inlaid with ivory and silver.

Advanced Usage

• "to be inlaid with": Describes a surface decorated using the inlay technique.
  • The ceremonial dagger's handle was inlaid with precious gems.

Variants and Related Words

• Inlaid (adj): Describing an object decorated with inlay.
  • We admired the inlaid design on the wooden chest.

Synonyms

• Noun (decoration): Marquetry, intarsia, mosaic.
• Verb: Embed, set, insert, encrust.

Related Phrases

• Inlay card: (A separate term) Often refers to an insert card inside a product case, like for a CD or DVD.
• Inlay material: Refers to the substance used for the decorative pieces.

Noun

1. a decoration made by fitting pieces of wood into prepared slots in a surface
2. (dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place

Verb

1. decorate the surface of by inserting wood, stone, and metal