interdigitates

/ˌɪntərˈdɪdʒɪteɪts/
verb
  1. To interlock or fit together like the fingers of two clasped hands.
    • When you clasp your hands, your fingers naturally interdigitate.
    • The bones in the skull interdigitate at the sutures, creating a strong joint.
    • The puzzle pieces interdigitate perfectly along their curved edges.
  2. To alternate or intersperse in a regular pattern, like the teeth of a zipper or gears.
    • The two companies' schedules interdigitate so that one team works while the other rests.
    • In a healthy ecosystem, the life cycles of predator and prey interdigitate in a balanced rhythm.
    • The stripes on the fabric interdigitate to form a checkerboard pattern.
  3. To coordinate or integrate closely, especially in a complex system.
    • In a well-designed city, public transport and pedestrian paths interdigitate seamlessly.
    • The different departments interdigitate their efforts to launch the new product smoothly.
    • The software modules interdigitate to share data without conflicts.
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