invaginate

verb

in·​vag·​i·​nate in-ˈva-jə-ˌnāt 

invaginated; invaginating

transitive verb

1

: enclose, sheathe

2

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

intransitive verb

: to undergo invagination

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Medical Definition

invaginate

verb

in·​vag·​i·​nate in-ˈvaj-ə-ˌnāt 

invaginated; invaginating

transitive verb

1

: to cover or enclose (as within the body)

2

: 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

—The New England Journal of Medicine