(dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place
"After the dentist removed the decay, he placed a custom-made porcelain inlay that fit perfectly into the hollow left behind."
a decoration made by fitting pieces of wood into prepared slots in a surface
"The antique table features an intricate floral design created by carefully inlaid pieces of rosewood into the oak surface."
The material placed within a different material in the form of a decoration.
"The artisan carefully set the intricate mother-of-pearl inlay into the dark wood to create a stunning decorative pattern on the box lid."
decorate the surface of by inserting wood, stone, and metal
"The artisan carefully inlaid delicate floral patterns into the dark mahogany table top using thin strips of mother-of-pearl."
To place (pieces of a foreign material) within another material to form a decorative design.
"The artisan carefully inlaid thin strips of mother-of-pearl into the dark wood table top to create an intricate floral pattern."