interdigitate

/ˌɪntərˈdɪdʒɪteɪt/
verb
  1. To interlock or fit together like the fingers of two clasped hands.
    • The roots of the two trees interdigitate underground, sharing nutrients and water.
    • The tectonic plates interdigitate along the fault line, creating a complex geological boundary.
    • In the puzzle, the pieces interdigitate perfectly, leaving no gaps.
  2. To alternate or intersperse in a regular pattern, like the teeth of a zipper or gears.
    • The artist's brushstrokes interdigitate, creating a textured, woven effect on the canvas.
    • The layers of sediment interdigitate, showing a history of alternating floods and droughts.
    • The two teams' schedules interdigitate, so they never play on the same day.
What does "interdigitate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean