imbricate

adjective

1. overlapping in sequence, as tiles or shingles on a roof.
2. of, relating to, or resembling overlapping tiles, as decoration or drawings.
3. Biology. overlapping like tiles, as scales or leaves.
4. characterized by or as if by overlapping shingles.

verb (used with or without object), im·bri·cat·ed, im·bri·cat·ing.

5. to overlap, as tiles or shingles.

adjective (ˈɪmbrɪkɪt, -ˌkeɪt) imbricated

1. architect relating to or having tiles, shingles, or slates that overlap
2. botany (of leaves, scales, etc) overlapping each other

verb (ˈɪmbrɪˌkeɪt)

3. (tr) to decorate with a repeating pattern resembling scales or overlapping tiles

v.

1704 (implied in imbricated), from Latin imbricatus “covered with tiles,” past participle of imbricare “to cover with rain tiles” (see imbrication). As an adjective from 1650s. Related: Imbricated; imbricating.

adj.

1. Having the edges overlapping in a regular arrangement like roof tiles or the scales of a fish.