adj. 1. Planned or executed with painstaking attention to numerous parts or details: an elaborate scheme. 2. Intricate and rich in detail: a carpet with an elaborate pattern. v. (ĭ-lăbə-rāt′) e·lab·o·rat·ed, e·lab·o·rat·ing, e·lab·o·rates v.tr. 1. To work out with care and detail; develop thoroughly: elaborated a theory of social organization. 2. To produce or compose (a substance, for example) from simpler elements. v.intr. To explain something at greater length or in greater detail: asked me to elaborate on my proposal. [Latin ēlabōrātus, past participle of ēlabōrāre, to work out : ē-, ex-, intensive pref.; see EX- + labōrāre, to work (from labor, work).] e·labo·rate·ly adv. e·labo·rate·ness n. e·lab′o·ration n. e·labo·ra′tor n. |
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