Skip to main content
imbricated

imbricated

9.9
Overlapping each other like roof tiles
  • adjective
  • /ˈɪmbrɪkeɪtɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : imbricado
  • The fish scales were imbricated, allowing them to overlap perfectly for better movement in the water.

Examples

  • The architect designed the roof with imbricated shingles to create a unique aesthetic.

  • The imbricated leaves of the pine tree provide excellent protection against heavy rain.

  • Identities are as dynamic, imbricated, and context-responsive in the Middle East and North Africa as they are elsewhere.

    Academic text (2005)

Synonyms

imbricate
vsimbricated
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Overlapping each other like roof tiles or fish scales

is the same meaning but is the verb form rather than the adjective

Surface Forms

imbricated positive

Morphology

imbricated = imbricate (transparent) = imbricate + ed

Formed by the regular past-participle/adjectival suffix '-ed' on the verb 'imbricate', so the morphological relation is clear even though the base verb is a relatively rare learned word.

Etymology

The word imbricated comes from the Latin imbrex, which meant 'roof tile' that covered and overlapped other tiles. So, imbricated describes leaves or scales that 'overlap' each other like tiles or shingles on a roof, helping water run off.