v. t. | 1. | To lay within; hence, to insert, as pieces of pearl, ivory, mother-of-pearl, choice woods, or the like, in a groundwork of some other material; to form an ornamental surface; to diversify or adorn with insertions. |
n. | 1. | Matter or pieces of wood, ivory, etc., inlaid, or prepared for inlaying; that which is inserted or inlaid for ornament or variety; |
Noun | 1. | inlay - (dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place |
2. | inlay - a decoration made by fitting pieces of wood into prepared slots in a surface | |
Verb | 1. | inlay - decorate the surface of by inserting wood, stone, and metal |