inlay
nounUK /ˈɪnleɪ/
US /ˈɪnleɪ/
A small piece of one material set into the surface of another to make a picture or pattern.
The wooden box had a silver inlay shaped like a star.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The art or craft of setting pieces into a surface.
She studied the ancient craft of inlay in Florence.
3. A filling such as gold set into a tooth by a dentist.
The dentist placed a gold inlay in his back molar.
4. To set a piece of material into a surface as a decoration.
The artist inlaid tiny shells into the tabletop.