verb
interlace
in-ter-LAYS/ˌɪntərˈleɪs/
To arrange parts in an alternating or interwoven pattern.
The blue and ochre strips interlace in an alternating over-under pattern.
Etymology
The original image was joining things by crossing their laces. That act of binding by crossing underlies the broader sense of weaving or linking elements together.
In context
fibers of a few muscles which interlace to form and strengthen the perineal body
More examples
- He interlaces his fingers and rests his hands on his lap.
- We interlaced red ribbons with green ones around the wreath.
- The novel interlaces childhood memories with scenes from the present.
Forms
interlace · interlaces · interlaced · interlacing
Similar words
- interweave
- Emphasizes combining strands or elements into a connected whole.
- intertwine
- Emphasizes twisting elements around one another rather than alternating them.
- braid
- Specifically means crossing strands repeatedly to form a woven length.