What does interlace mean?
Interlace means to weave, cross, or connect things so that they form an integrated and often intricate pattern. It is commonly used of threads, lines, decorative motifs, structural elements, and abstract ideas. As a verb, it can be transitive, as in “interlace the ribbons,” or intransitive, as when separate strands interlace to form a lattice. As a rare noun, an interlace refers to the act or result of this crossing or weaving. The word has a formal, often literary tone, but it is especially natural in descriptions of textiles, architecture, ornament, and design. It also works effectively for figurative subjects: writers may interlace memories, voices, or themes, while programmers may describe connected data structures. Interlace is useful because it conveys more than simply placing things side by side; it suggests overlapping parts forming a coherent, visually or conceptually unified whole.
To weave, cross, or connect things together so that they form an intricate pattern; also, to become joined in this way.
"Vines interlaced across the whitewashed wall."
Can be used transitively or intransitively. The figurative use for ideas, narratives, and structures is established but less frequent than the physical or decorative senses.
The act or result of interlacing or weaving things together.
"The ironwork gains definition from the interlace of light and shadow."
This noun use is rare and is more characteristic of formal, descriptive, or historical prose.
The countable noun is rare; plural interlaces is used only when referring to separate instances or arrangements of interlacing.
"The interlaces in the carved screen form a repeating floral pattern."
Interlace comes from Latin for “to lace together,” capturing the word’s image of threads crossing into one intricate pattern.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interlace come from?
Interlace entered English in the 16th century from Latin interlacere, a verb meaning “to bind or lace together.” It combines the Latin prefix inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with lacere, meaning “to bind” or “tie.” The same Latin root underlies English words such as lace, relace, and delace, while the development of interlace added the idea of elements crossing and joining with one another.
Related word forms
How interlace is actually used
Interlace is somewhat formal or literary and is especially common in textile and decorative contexts. It can also describe the interweaving of ideas, narratives, structures, or data. The noun is comparatively rare and is more often encountered in specialized or historical writing.
Easily confused with interlace
Interlacing describes elements that cross or weave together, whereas interlocking describes parts that fit together or engage with one another.