imbricated

USAGE SUMMARY

'imbricated' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "covered or decorated with overlapping plates, scales, or tiles, especially with a regular arrangement", and is typically used to describe physical objects with this arrangement. An example sentence would be: "The ceiling of the grand hall was impressively imbricated with intricate tiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even if Brian Sewell were nothing but a gadfly, God knows we could do with them in an art world which is so imbricated with its own dubious economics that it is structurally incapable of mounting a critique of, say, Damien Hirst.

The Guardian

Many things, in Thoreau's liberated state, are worth the while to see - the feeding manners of chickadees, and the trickles of spring thaw along the railroad cut, "resembling, as you look down on them, the laciniated lobed and imbricated thalluses of some lichens".

The Guardian - Books

Further, this production both exploits workers and becomes imbricated with all manner of brutality – consider the relationship between coltan production and war in the Congo.

The Guardian - Opinion

Never again will culture be imbricated with politics in the way Volkov describes in this book.

The New York Times - Books

He has also designed similar varied muntins into the new building and several of the roof elements, including the imbricated shingling.

The New York Times

"The mug" has, as Borchardt notes, more violent connotations, and is imbricated in notions of position and status, honor and dishonor.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They are composed of a pair of imbricating facets near the edges of the overlapping cylinders that cover the leg segments, with one pair on the anterior face of the leg and another on the posterior face.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the strongest movements in arthropods (e.g., in the legs of Polydesmida, an order of millipedes) are also implemented by a joint that possesses cavities containing synovial fluid in which imbricating cuticular facets slide against one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After discussing with some enthusiasm ("I am a convert") the "truly transformative" potential of online learning, he asks the key question: "How effective has online learning been in improving … learning outcomes?" (I now add the phrase "learning outcomes" to the list of words and phrases that should never be used, along with "stakeholders," "imbricate," "aporia" and "performative").

The New York Times

Artists "imbricate" ideological subtexts into their images.

The New York Times - Arts

The cuticular scales of mammalian hairs are predominantly of the overlapping, imbricate type, with edges that are rounded, minutely notched, or flattened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imbricated" to describe arrangements where elements overlap in a regular, scale-like or tile-like fashion, especially in architectural or biological contexts for increased precision.

Common error

Don't substitute "imbricated" for simpler terms like "overlapping" or "layered" if the specific pattern of regular, scale-like overlap isn't present, as this can sound pretentious and imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "imbricated" functions descriptively, specifying a particular arrangement of overlapping elements. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application in describing physical structures like roofs or biological features like scales, aligning with Ludwig AI's definition of the term.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imbricated" is an adjective that describes something covered with overlapping elements like scales or tiles. It's grammatically correct but less frequently used in everyday language, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its strength lies in providing precise visual descriptions, particularly in architectural, biological, and geological contexts. To avoid misuse, reserve "imbricated" for scenarios where a regular, scale-like overlap is evident. Use simpler terms like "overlapping" or "layered" in informal settings. Ludwig AI validates that the term is well-defined and applicable in technical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shingled

This directly references the overlapping arrangement of shingles, mirroring the meaning of "imbricated".

tiled

Similar to shingled, focusing on a tile-like overlapping arrangement.

scaled

This refers to an arrangement resembling scales, close to "imbricated" but more specific.

overlapping

This term is a more general description of elements covering a portion of each other.

interlocking

This suggests a tight, secure fit between elements, whereas "imbricated" focuses more on the pattern of overlap.

layered

This describes elements arranged in strata, but not necessarily overlapping in a regular pattern.

intertwined

This suggests a close connection and mutual involvement between elements that may or may not physically overlap.

interwoven

This implies a more complex and less structured entanglement than "imbricated".

entwined

Elements are twisted together, not necessarily overlapping neatly.

nested

Elements fit inside each other, a form of inclusion, not just overlap.

FAQs

How is "imbricated" typically used in a sentence?

The adjective "imbricated" is typically used to describe objects or surfaces that are covered with overlapping elements, much like scales or tiles. For example, "The roof was covered in "imbricated shingles"".

What are some synonyms for "imbricated"?

Some synonyms for "imbricated" include "overlapping", "shingled", and "scaled". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the overlapping elements.

Is "imbricated" a formal or informal word?

"Imbricated" is generally considered a formal word, best suited for technical or descriptive contexts. Simpler terms like "overlapping" or "layered" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the word "imbricated"?

The word "imbricated" is appropriate in contexts where you want to describe a pattern of overlapping elements, like tiles on a roof or scales on a fish. It's commonly used in architecture, biology, and geology. Avoid using "imbricated" if you want to describe the meaning of the term.