Intricate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪn.trɪ.kÉ™t/

Alternative forms

• entricate

From Latin intricatus (past participle of intricare).

Full definition of intricate

Adjective

1. Having a great deal of fine detail or complexity.The architecture of this clock is very intricate.
• AddisonHis style was fit to convey the most intricate business to the understanding with the utmost clearness.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 5, As a matter of fact its narrow ornate façade presented not a single quiet space that the eyes might rest on after a tiring attempt to follow and codify the arabesques, foliations, and intricate vermiculations of what some disrespectfully dubbed as “near-aissance.”

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪn.trɪ.keɪt/

As the adjective; or by analogy with extricate

Verb

1. (intransitive) To become enmeshed or entangled.
• 1864 October 18, J.E. Freund, “How to Avoid the Use of Lint”, letter to the editor, in The New York Times (1864 October 23):... washes off easily, without sticking or intricating into the wound.
2. (transitive) To enmesh or entangle: to cause to intricate.
• 1994 December 12, William Safire, “Avoid Dunkirk II” (essay), in The New York Times:But the British and French won't hear of that; they want to get their troops extricated and our ground troops intricated.

Anagrams

• acitretin, triacetin