interdigitate

verb

in·ter·dig·i·tate | \ˌin-tər-ˈdi-jə-ˌtāt

\

interdigitated; interdigitating

Definition of interdigitate

intransitive verb

: to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands

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Did You Know?

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that interdigitate comes from the prefix inter-, as in interlock, and the Latin word digitus, meaning "finger." Digitus also gave us digit, which is used in English today to refer to (among other things) the finger or toe of any animal. "Interdigitate" usually suggests an interlocking of things with fingerlike projections, such as muscle fibers or the teeth of an old-fashioned bear trap. The word can also be used figuratively to imply a smooth interweaving of disparate things, such as the blending of two cultures within a shared region.

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Dictionary Entries near interdigitate

interdisciplinarian

interdisciplinary

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Time Traveler for interdigitate

The first known use of interdigitate was circa 1849

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More Definitions for interdigitate

interdigitate

intransitive verb

in·ter·dig·i·tate | \-ˈdij-ə-ˌtāt

\

interdigitated; interdigitating

Medical Definition of interdigitate

1 : to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands thick myosin filaments interdigitate with the thin actin filaments— J. M. Squire

2 : to undergo intercuspation these teeth do not interdigitate completely— J. A. Glassman

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