intercalate

C2 Topic:Time

US /ɪnˈtɝːkəˌleɪt/ UK /ɪnˈtɜːkəleɪt/ See IPA manual

Meanings

1

verb
to insert an extra day or month into a calendar so that it remains aligned with astronomical cycles

Some lunisolar calendars intercalate an additional month when the seasons drift from the named months.
2

verb
to insert a layer, period, substance, or element between others

The geologist identified a warm interval intercalated between two colder deposits.
3

verb
chemistry: to insert atoms, ions, or molecules between the layers of a material

Lithium ions intercalate between the graphite layers during charging.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to insert an extra day or... insert interpose

2 verb · to insert a layer, period,... insert interpose sandwich

3 verb · chemistry: to insert atoms,... insert embed

Opposites

remove extract omit

Word family

Forms intercalated

Derived forms intercalatedintercalationintercalary

Related forms calendarleap dayinterposeinterlayer

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin intercalare, 'insert in the calendar,' from inter-, 'between,' + calare, 'proclaim.' Roman officials proclaimed inserted calendar days or months. Science broadened the verb to material placed between layers, periods, cells, or molecules.

Topics

Time

External links

# intercalate

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** verb
**IPA (US):** /ɪnˈtɝːkəˌleɪt/
**IPA (UK):** /ɪnˈtɜːkəleɪt/

## Meanings
1. to insert an extra day or month into a calendar so that it remains aligned with astronomical cycles
2. to insert a layer, period, substance, or element between others
3. chemistry: to insert atoms, ions, or molecules between the layers of a material

## Examples
- Some lunisolar calendars intercalate an additional month when the seasons drift from the named months.
- The geologist identified a warm interval intercalated between two colder deposits.
- Lithium ions intercalate between the graphite layers during charging.

## Synonyms
- insert
- interpose
- embed
- sandwich

## Antonyms
- remove
- extract
- omit

## Derived Forms
- intercalated
- intercalation
- intercalary

## Related Forms
- calendar
- leap day
- interpose
- interlayer

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin intercalare, 'insert in the calendar,' from inter-, 'between,' + calare, 'proclaim.' Roman officials proclaimed inserted calendar days or months. Science broadened the verb to material placed between layers, periods, cells, or molecules.

## Topics
- Time

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