transitive verb (past and past participlein·laid [ in láyd, ín làyd ], present participlein·lay·ing, 3rd person present singularin·lays)
Definition:
1. set something into surface: to set pieces of material such as wood, ivory, or stone into previously cut slots in a surface to form a decorative pattern
2. decorate something with inlaid design: to decorate something such as a piece of furniture by setting pieces of wood, stone, ivory, or other material into its surface
noun (pluralin·lays)
Definition:
1. pieces of material set into surface: pieces of material such as wood, ivory, or stone set into the surface of a piece of furniture to form a decorative pattern
2. decorative pattern: a decorative pattern formed by inlaying
3. filling for tooth: a filling made of gold or porcelain that is inserted into a cavity in a tooth and cemented in position
