Standard Lemma guide

invaginate

adj · verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

sheathed

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Topics: biology, natural-sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Having one portion of a hollow organ drawn back within another portion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Topics: biology, natural-sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To fold up or enclose into a sheath-like or pouch-like structure, either naturally or as part of a surgical procedure.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: medicine, sciences, surgery

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To turn or fold inwardly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: medicine, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To fold inward to create a hollow space where none had existed, as with a gastrula forming from a blastula.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: medicine, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

fold inwards

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • some organs can invaginate

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: introvert

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: draw in, retract

Narrower terms: intussuscept

7

verb

Meaning 7

sheathe

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The chrysalis is invaginated

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: sheathe

History

Etymology

From Medieval Latin invāgīnātus, past participle of Medieval Latin invāgīnāre, from in- + vāgīna (“sheath”).

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: invaginar — to fold up into a pouch-like structure
  • French: invaginer — to fold up into a pouch-like structure
  • Spanish: invaginar — to fold up into a pouch-like structure
  • Spanish: invaginarse — to turn or fold inwardly