in·lay (ĭn'lā', ĭn-lā')
tr.v., -laid (-lād'), -lay·ing, -lays.

1. 1. To set (pieces of wood or ivory, for example) into a surface, usually at the same level, to form a design.
   2. To decorate by setting in such designs.
2. To insert (a photograph, for example) within a mat in a book.

n.

1. 1. Contrasting material set into a surface in pieces to form a design.
   2. A design, pattern, or decoration made by inlaying.
2. Dentistry. A solid filling, as of gold or porcelain, fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.

inlayer in·lay'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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