invaginate

verb in·vag·i·nate \in-ˈva-jə-ˌnāt\

in·vag·i·nat·edin·vag·i·nat·ing

Definition of INVAGINATE

transitive verb

: to fold in so that an outer becomes an inner surface

intransitive verb

: to undergo invagination

Medieval Latin invaginatus, past participle of invaginare, from Latin in- + vagina sheath

First Known Use: circa 1656

Medical Dictionary

verb in·vag·i·nate \in-ˈvaj-ə-ˌnāt\

in·vag·i·nat·edin·vag·i·nat·ing

transitive verb

: to cover or enclose (as within the body)

: to fold in so that an outer becomes an inner surface <invaginate the sac into the lumen—E. A. Graham>

intransitive verb

: to undergo invagination <a condition in which a portion of the intestine invaginates into the adjacent segment—New England Journal of Medicine>

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