Although abstracted from the many compounds in which it entered English, the form inter- was not generally considered a living prefix in English until the 1400s.
During the later period of Middle English many words borrowed in the Old and Middle French forms entre-, enter- began to be consciously respelled with Latin inter-; although vestiges of the older French borrowings are found in entertain and enterprise.
The living prefix inter- is now freely added to almost any element in English to create such formations with the meaning of "between" and "among". The words formed by intra- are closely related to this inter- prefix; in fact, they both apparently came from the same Latin source.
interspersal (s) (noun)
, interspersals (pl)
The act of combining one thing at intervals within other things: "The artist made an interspersal of illustrations in various parts of the contents of the text."
, intersperses, interspersed; interspersing
1. To distribute or to scatter among other things at intervals: The contractor interspersed
red and blue tiles on the floor of the bathroom.
A person should always try to intersperse praise with constructive criticism.
2. To supply or diversify with things positioned at intervals: There were several interspersed
lamp fixtures on the large ceiling of the underground parking area of the hospital that provided excellent light for those who were looking for a place to park and to walk safely to the elevator and get to their medical appointments.
The TV program was interspersed with several advertisements.
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interspersion (in" tuhr SPURS) (s) (noun)
, interspersions (pl)
The placement of objects, either randomly or in a pattern, among other items: The interspersion of the red and green leaves in the holiday wreath for the door was very cheerful and attractive.
Relating to the location between adjoining vertebrae: Because Grace had pains in her back, she decided to go to her doctor who diagnosed her as having an interspinal infection and referred her to the hospital for further treatment.
interstate, intestate, intrastate
Concerning being among two or more states: The federal government is authorized by the Constitution to regulate interstate commerce.
(in TES tayt", in TES tit) (adjective
Pertaining to something without a valid will: When Justin died, he left intestate property because he didn't think about writing a testament.
Describing something which is within one state: Intrastate commerce is regulated by each governing region.
The intrastate rules governing estates which are left intestate do not apply to interstate situations.
interstice (s) (noun)
, interstices (pl)
1. A very narrow crevice or space between parts or things: Jane left an interstice between the shades in her bedroom in order to enjoy the sunshine peeking though.
2. A short gap of time between activities: Mrs. Robinson used the interstices of her breaks at her desk to call up her daughter.
; more interstitial, most interstitial
1. Referring to a small opening or space: When Celia went to the dentist, Dr. Smith told her that she should be especially careful when cleaning the interstitial
gaps between her teeth.
Sally spent the interstitial minutes between classes with rechecking her homework for the next period.
2. Pertaining to the space between tissues or cellular parts of a structure: Interstitial cystitis had developed in Josie's urinary bladder and was causing her a lot of pain!
Inflammation of connective tissue of the breast.
Related "together" units:
Cross references of word families related directly, or indirectly, to: "internal organs, entrails, inside":