inlay Definition

inlay
verb inlaid, inlaying

1. To set or embed (eg pieces of wood, metal, etc) in another material in such a way that the surfaces are flat.
2. To decorate (eg a piece of furniture) by setting flat pieces of different coloured wood, ivory, metal, etc in the surface.

noun inlays

1. A decoration or design made by inlaying. Compare marquetry.
2. The pieces used to create an inlaid design.
3. dentistry.
A filling shaped to fit a cavity in a tooth.

Etymology: 16c: see lay¹.