intergrowth
|in-ter-growth|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪn.tɚˈɡroʊθ/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪn.təˈɡrəʊθ/
grown together
Etymology
'intergrowth' originates from the Latin prefix 'inter-' (from Latin 'inter') meaning 'between' and the Old English element 'growth' (from Old English 'grōwþ'/'grōwan') meaning 'the act or process of growing'.
'inter-' (Latin) + 'growth' (Old English/Modern English) formed as a compound in Modern English; 'growth' descends from Old English 'grōwþ' (related to the verb 'grōwan'), while 'inter-' entered English via Latin (and through Old French influence). The compound 'intergrowth' developed in Modern English to denote joined or mutual growth.
Initially a literal combination of 'between' + 'growth' (growth occurring between or among things); over time it has come to refer more narrowly to fused growths or the process/state of growing together (especially of tissues or crystals).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a growth formed when two or more structures grow together; a fused growth (often used of tissues or crystals).
The rock displayed an intergrowth of quartz and feldspar crystals.
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Noun 2
the process or state of growing together; the condition in which tissues, organs, or crystals have become joined by growth.
Post-surgery intergrowth of the tissues limited mobility in the joint.
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Last updated: 2025/11/13 08:58