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interdigitation

interdigitation

9.6
A way parts fit together like interlocking fingers
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərdɪdʒɪˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : interdigitación
  • In her artwork, the interdigitation of different fabrics adds texture and depth.

Examples

  • We here offer a fractal scheme addressing the latter need: locating a road network in a heavily treed region, such as a national forest, that would permit large numbers of visitors to experience the interdigitation of ecological niches and the variety that the forest contains and, at the same time, would reduce the potential for damage from visitor contact with the forest environment.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The interdigitation of the two materials creates a strong bond between them.

  • When droplets are drawn into proximity, they ceaselessly explore each other with liquid interdigitations.

    Blog text (17)
  • Of this rather large body of literature, two essays are especially pertinent to the present article, which centers on the nation and the perceptions that are engendered by the interdigitation of race, social class, and ethnicity.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The interdigitation of neurons in the brain helps facilitate communication between different regions.

Synonyms

interlocking
vsinterdigitation
4 5.5

Fitting parts together so they move as one

fits by alternating projections that plug into each other like fingers
mesh
vsinterdigitation
4 4.7

A close connection between parts or people that work together

refers to surface or tissue fitting by interleaving projections rather than general locking
interlinkage
vsinterdigitation
1 6.1

A connection between things or systems that makes them affect each other

applies to physical fitting of alternating parts rather than abstract connections
tessellation
vsinterdigitation
1 8.1

A pattern of shapes that fit together without gaps, like tiles or honeycombs

uses interpenetrating projections across surfaces rather than only edge packing
meshing
vsinterdigitation
  • Specialized
7.1

Parts with teeth fitting together so they turn smoothly

involves fingerlike fitting across surfaces rather than only force transmission
interlinking
vsinterdigitation
4.8

Closely joined so the parts form a single whole that is hard to separate

is more about physical interpenetration of surfaces, not just linkage
intertwinement
vsinterdigitation
7.0

Things twisted and woven together so they are closely connected

involves complementary projections fitting together rather than simple twisting
entwinement
vsinterdigitation
7.2

A state in which things are twisted or woven closely together

is about matching projections that interdigitate across a surface rather than winding
systasis
vsinterdigitation
  • Archaic
9.9

Close joining of parts to form one structure, like roots or wires

focuses on fingerlike fitting of parts rather than general cohesion

Antonyms

Being separate from people, things, or contact, for example losing internet

A state when things are not in their usual order

How Interlocked

interdigitation
  • Specialized
9.6
contact
371 1.0
separation
89 2.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

interdigitation = interdigitate (transparent) = inter + digit + ation

Formed by inter- (between) + digit (finger/projection) with a standard nominalizing suffix '-ation', so the meaning 'process of fitting together like interlocking fingers' is directly derived.

Etymology

Interdigitation comes from inter- meaning 'between' and digit meaning 'finger', and you can think of the same digit as a finger or a number; imagine fingers from two hands fitting together like a zipper. That's why interdigitation describes layers or parts that fit together like interlocking fingers to make a strong connection.