invaginate

verb

in·​vag·​i·​nate in-ˈva-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce invaginate (audio)
invaginated; invaginating

transitive verb

1
2
: to fold in so that an outer becomes an inner surface

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin invaginatus, past participle of invaginare, from Latin in- + vagina sheath

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of invaginate was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near invaginate

Cite this Entry

“Invaginate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invaginate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

invaginate

verb
in·​vag·​i·​nate in-ˈvaj-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce invaginate (audio)
invaginated; invaginating

transitive verb

1
: to cover or enclose (as within the body)
2
: to fold in so that an outer becomes an inner surface
invaginate the sac into the lumenE. A. Graham

intransitive verb

: to undergo invagination
a condition in which a portion of the intestine invaginates into the adjacent segmentNew England Journal of Medicine
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