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in·ter·lock

(ĭn′tər-lŏk)

v. in·ter·locked, in·ter·lock·ing, in·ter·locks

v.tr.

1. To unite or join closely as by hooking or dovetailing.

2. To connect together (parts of a mechanism, for example) so that the individual parts affect each other in motion or operation.

v.intr.

To become united or joined closely, as by hooking or dovetailing.

n. (ĭntər-lŏk′)

1. A mechanical device that prevents a component from functioning when another component is functioning or situated in a particular way.

2. A stretchy fabric knitted with interlocking stitches by alternating sets of needles on a circular knitting machine.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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